This DEFINATION could apply to ANY CONFLICT that the United States has been involved:

[VIETNAM 1968]

Again I wish to thank my very good friend, LCPD24 for sending me the following essay entitled: "SOLDIER". After reading it, I thought that all other Veterans, that contribute to or read this very fine Forum, would also see themselves while reading these words. This description of a Soldier could apply to any of the Wars our Country has been forced to participate in; From World War I to the possible future War with Iraq.



The average age of the Infantryman is nineteen 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 then wash his father's; But he has never collected Unemployment either. He is a recent High School Graduate and was probably an average student who pursued some form of Sports Activities. He drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady Girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swore to be waiting for him when he returned from half a world away. He listens to Rock and Roll, Hip Hop, Rap, Jazz, Swing, or the occasional 155 mm Howitzers.

He is ten to fifteen pounds lighter now then when he left home because he is working, or fighting, from before dawn to well after dark. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him; But he can field strip a rifle in thirty seconds and then reassemble it in less time, even in the DARK. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a Machine Gun or Grenade Launcher while using either one effectively if he must.

He digs Foxholes and Latrines, can apply First Aid like a professional, and 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 and 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 would never forget to clean his Rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.

If you are thirsty, he will share his water with you. If you are hungry, he will share his food. He will even split his ammunition with you in the middle of a 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, but can instantly kill the enemy simply because that is his job.

He will often do twice the work of a Civilian, draw Half the Pay, and still manage to find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death then he should have, in his short lifetime. He has stood on top of mountains of dead bodies which he had helped to create. He has wept in public, and private, for friends who have fallen in combat; While being unashamed.

He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his entire body, while he stands at rigid attention. All the while tempering the burning desire to "SQUARE AWAY" those around him who have not 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 his Great-Grandfather before him. 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 his Country FREE FOR OVER TWO HUNDRED YEARS NOW. He has ASKED NOTHING IN RETURN EXCEPT FOR OUR FRIENDSHIP AND UNDERSTANDING.

REMEMBER HIM ALWAYS for he has EARNED OUR RESPECT and ADMIRATION with his BLOOD.

Author Unknown:



I hope that all my Vietnam Veteran Brothers and Sisters enjoyed reading this essay. I now wish to state to them all:

WELCOME HOME

Vietnam 1968

[Andy]

Couldn't help but remember some friends who never had a 20th birthday. There memory will always be indelibly tattooed in my brain and on my heart. May we never forget them.

Stay healthy, lest they be forgotten,
Andy

[VIETNAM 1968]

Hi Andy:

You must have read my mind as YOUR WORDS COULD HAVE BEEN MY WORDS. I too was thinking of a Buddy who never lived to reach his twentieth Birthday. We must ALL keep friends and Buddies permanently embedded in our HEARTS and MINDS. In that way THEY WILL NOT BE REALLY GONE, OR FORGOTTEN.

WELCOME HOME BROTHER:

Vietnam 1968

[DMZ-LT]

Everyday.

[catman]

68...truer words have never been spoken, thank you and welcome home!

Trav