>>
>> 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 for it.
>>
>> 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 anymore!
>> 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
>>
>> A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets
>> is what helps them to get by another day!
>>
>>
>> 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"
>>
>> 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, sorry
>> This is for soldiers fighting over seas.
>>
>> Pass it on to everyone and pray for their safe return.
>>
