As we approach the Fourth of July, my thoughts turn to the men and women of our Armed Forces who stand in the gap for us, defending our freedom, as well as helping the people of other nations achieve theirs. America is one of the few nations in the world who have consistently sent their armed forces to help other nations when in need. May God bless all our soldiers!
The average age of the American soldier is 20 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 still 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. And he has probably never collected unemployment.
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 also to a 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 parts 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 stand until he is told to march.
He obeys orders without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individuality. He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of fatigues, washing one while wearing the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry. He sometimes forgets to clean 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, and if you're 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 his 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 dead bodies, and has 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 our National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering a burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking.
And yet, in an odd twist, day in and day out, far away 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 230 years. He asks nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding.
And now we also have women over there who are also in harm's way, doing their part in this tradition of going to war when our nation calls us to do so. Let us remember them always, for they have earned our respect and admiration with their sweat and blood.
"Dear 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. Thank you for the men and women of our Armed Forces, in Jesus' name, amen."
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