Someone very close to me sent this...I've been in the Military for 10 years, but it still takes reminders like this to make me think. Thx GR14......
What a soldier is. This is the best description of a soldier I have ever read. It was written by a buddy of mine from the Stan and he sent it to me. Thought Jack might like to read it, and a few others with friends over there.
The average age of the military man is 19 years.
He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances isconsidered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears,not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country.
He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own carthan wash his father's; but he has never collected unemployment either.
He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student,pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, andhas a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, orswears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away.
He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and 155mmHowitzers.
He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he isworking or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk.
He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he canfield strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in thedark.
He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcherand use either one effectively if he must.
He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional.
He can march until he is told to stop or stop until he is told to march.
He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not withoutspirit or individual dignity.
He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one andwears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.
He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle.
He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts. If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, hisfood.
He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when yourun low.
He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they werehis hands. He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job.
He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay and stillfind ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death than heshould have in his short lifetime.
He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen incombat and is unashamed.
He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body whileat rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away'those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or evenstop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, hedefends their right to be disrespectful.
Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is payingthe price for our freedom.
Beardless or not, he is not a boy.
He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over200 years.
He has asked nothing in return, except our support, friendship andunderstanding.
Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration withhis blood.
WD
Good Reminder
ok thats just amazing, to let you all know, I have decided to finish up college with a business major as a backup, then go to the USAF to fly. After serving I would like to be a pilot for a commercial airline. This post just makes me want to join up right now, but i need a backup plan so i will have to wait...thanks for posting that WD
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Re: Good Reminder
WDRacing wrote:Someone very close to me sent this...I've been in the Military for 10 years, but it still takes reminders like this to make me think. Thx GR14......WD
Thx for posting. Sometimes we all need a reminder.
GR