He's a recent high school graduate;
was probably an average student,
who never really enjoyed school to much.
He has a girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left,
or swears to be waiting when he returns from half way around the world.
He listens to rock,punk,hip-hop,rap,techno or country -
And Howitzers.
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 builds 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 forgets 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 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 will often do twice the work of a civilian and draw half the pay.
He can save your life - or take it because that is his job.
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 feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while standing at rigid attention,
while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away'
those around him who have not bothered to stand,
remove their hat, or even stop talking.
Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather-
he is paying the price for OUR freedom.
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.
