The_Military

The Military

The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a
short-haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances
is considered 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 car than 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, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke
up with him when he left, or swears 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 155mm Howitzer. He is 10 or
15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is
working
or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk.

He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he
can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time
in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine
gun or grenade launcher and 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
without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient. He has
two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears 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, his food.
He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle
when you run low.

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like
they were his 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 still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more
suffering and death then he should have in his short lifetime.

He has stood atop mountains of dead bodies, and helped to
create them. He has wept in public and in private, for friends who
have fallen in combat and is unashamed. He feels every note of
the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid
attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away'
those around him who haven't bothered to
stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day
in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be
disrespectful.

Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is
paying the 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 over 200 years.

He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and
understanding. Remember him, always, for he has earned our
respect and admiration with his blood. And now we even have
women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of
going to War when our nation calls us to do so. As you go to bed
tonight, remember this shot. A short
lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.......

Prayer wheel for our military... please don't break it. Please send
this on after a short prayer.

Prayer Wheel

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they
protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they
perform for us in our time of need.. Amen."

Prayer : When you receive this, please stop for a moment and
say a prayer for our ground troops in Afghanistan, sailors on
ships, and airmen in the air, and for those in Iraq. There is nothing
attached.... This can be very powerful.......Of all the gifts you could
give a US Soldier, Sailor, Coastguardsman, Marine or Airman,
prayer is the very best one. I can't break this one guys..sorry.
This is a ribbon for soldiers fighting in Iraq. Pass it on to
everyone and pray.