Brendan and Diana

The American Military Man
Author Unknown
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 girlfriiend 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, he'll share 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.
"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." ---Anonmyous--

A MARINES GRL
Everyone hears of the Marine Wife,
Her trials, sacrifices, and devoted life.
She is strong, she is brave, and she is loving indeed,
Standing by her man in his time of need.
But what of others in a similar situation,
Who have made being a Marine girlfriend their main occupation?
They suffer many of the same trials and many of the same fears
Without the security of future years.
Will there be peace or will there be war?
You try to be hopeful but it's hard to ignore.
The world seems to be falling apart
When to a Marine you have given your heart.
Your love runs too deep to escape from it now.
You hope to be together somewhere, somehow,
When his duty is over and your life can begin.
You wonder if it will happen but don't question when.
The many heartbreaks and times you did weep
When he made promises the Marines couldn't keep.
But you have learned so much together and come so far.
Others warned you not to fall in love but you already are.
His job is ever-changing and takes him far away.
You think of him always and pray every day--
For his safety, his courage, and his love for you
That he may remain steadfast, loyal, and true.
Nothing is sure and nothing is set in stone...
Except that he will leave again and you will be alone,
Holding tightly to your dreams of a future together
When you will at last be able to say the word "forever."
Tears have become anything but a stranger.
They fall freely in sadness, loneliness, and anger.
But he will never know because you will never tell.
You've learned to hide your misery only too well.
A few years? That doesn't sound like so long.
The letters and phone calls keep your love going strong,
Even when they are few and far between,
In them, his love for you can clearly be seen.
So keep your chin up and a smile on your face.
He is protecting your freedom and keeping you safe.
His heart is strong and his love is true
And don't ever forget that he is missing you too. Anonymous