I am not much for e-mail chains, but I understand when a message needs to be made. I am not a very patriotic person. I tend to find the reasons for war ambiguous. I find the reasons for killing even more ambiguous, and I am not designed to kill. I am designed to be influenced. I see that influence can lead to passion, and passion can open doors I may have never thought to open, like reasons to kill. I function best on rational and often realize that rational is often a luxury. The soldier is a reflection of their country, heritage, and history. The soldier is most importantly a person. In my search for reasoning, I tend to minimize that my country's aggression and strength are deserving of respect and dignity. I do my best to value the sacrifice a soldier makes, by living a lifestyle that isn't too antagonistic to natures balance. I will likely never experience conventional warfare, but life is a war. For now, I can only sympathize. This was sent from a "special force" in my life, and I am following orders....somewhat!
Your cell phone is in your pocket.
You're looking at all the pretty girls.
He patrols the streets, searching
for insurgents and terrorists.
He's told he will be held over an
extra 2 months.
You call your girlfriend and set a
date for tonight.
He waits for the mail to see if there
is a letter from home.
You hug and kiss your girlfriend,
like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells
his love's perfume.
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his
new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.
You criticize your government, and
say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and
killed by their own people and
remembers why he is fighting.
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and
screams of the wounded.
You see only what the media wants
you to see.
He sees the broken bodies lying
around him.
You are asked to do something by
your parents. You don't.
He does exactly what he is told even
if it puts his life in danger.
You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given
to call, write home, sleep, and eat.
You crawl into your soft bed, with
down pillows, and get comfortable.
He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.
I will try and understand you American Soldier.
