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  1. In Memory of LAJ_FETT: Please share your remembrances and condolences HERE

Prayer Wheel for our Service Men

Discussion in 'Archive: Salt Lake City, UT' started by ondiv, Apr 7, 2003.

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  1. ondiv

    ondiv Jedi Padawan star 4

    Registered:
    Nov 18, 2002
    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 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 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.

    Prayer Wheel For our Military

    "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 Wheel: When you read 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 engaged in the war with Iraq. Of all the gifts you
    could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman,
    prayer is the very best one.


    If anyone would like to post the names of those that are serving in the armed forces that they know, please feel free to do so.

    In loving tribute to Micah, who is serving on the front lines taking prisoners because he speaks Arabic, and his brother Staven Thompson. May God bless you, keep you safe, and re
     
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