This web page is a tribute and thank you to those men and women who serve in the
military, especially those who were injured or paid the ulimate price for our freedom,
and to their families.
America owes them a debt which can never be repaid.
The entire nation thanks you.
The Infantryman....
I cannot help myself from feeling pride and being proud for all
our service personnel each time I read this. Just heard Secretary of Defense
Rumsfeld say today, "Our troops are ready to go. We just need the word from the
President," or words to that effect. The days ahead will bring a lot of hardship
and death to many people on all sides. Only God can help them now, as it appears a
war is written in the sand.
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The average age of the Infantryman 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
Howitzers.
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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 than 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.
For our Military say this short prayer.
"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."
say the prayer for our ground troops in Afghanistan, sailors on ships, and airmen
in the air, and for those at war with Iraq.
This can be very powerful....
Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman, or Coast Guardsman prayer
is the very best one.
How Did you Sleep Last Night?
Where Did you Sleep Last Night?
in the blowing sand...
In a foxhole.....
In the mud.....
The proud warriors of Baker Company wanted to do something to pay tribute To our fallen comrades.
and to let the world know that "WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN" and are proud to serve our country." Semper Fi
 
visit our web page "Tribute to the Victims of 911"
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