Active Duty Military and Veterans

[Orange and Brown]

Final Inspection The first time I read this I cried like a baby.
by Sgt Joshua Helterbran


The Soldier stood and faced God
Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining
Just as bright as his brass.

"Step forward you Soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The Solider squared his shoulders and said
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't
Because those of us who carry guns
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work on Sundays
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just to steep,

And I never passed a cry for help
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgement of his God.

"Step forward now, you Soldier,
You've borne your burden well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

[Orange and Brown]

My 7 Y.O. son has this one memorized, I read this to my family every year on Christmas now.


A SOLDIER'S CHRISTMAS



'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.


I had come down the chimney with presents to give,
and to see just who in this little house lived.


As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.


No Stockings by mantle, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.


With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
A sobering thought came through my mind.


For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,
The home of a soldier, I could now see clearly.


The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.


The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,
Not how I picture a United States Soldier.


Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?


I realized the families that I saw this night,
owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.


Soon round the world, the children would play,
and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.


They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.


I couldn't help wondering how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.


The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to one knee and started to cry.


The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry, for this life is my choice".


I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,
My life is my God, my country, my corps."


The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.


I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,
as we both shivered from the cold night's chill.


I didn't want to leave, on that cold, dark night,
this guardian of honor, so willing to fight.


Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,
whispered, "Carry on Santa...., It's Christmas Day...., All is secure.


One look at my watch, and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend.... and to all a Good Night.

~ Author Unknown *~

[Westsider1993]

U.S. Army
705TH MPBN FT. Leavenworth, Kansas
Unites States Disciplinary Barracks
95C Corrections Specialist
94'-97'

[Hoggy]

Thought you would be interested in this special benefits program delivering thousands in savings as a thank you for service.

http://www.veteransadvantage.com/home-1/

[Hoggy]

ttt

[Hoggy]

Please take the time to read this and help out.

http://donate.vfw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=2010_albert_snyder_pledge&autologin=true

[BubbleGumTiger]

ttt

[The Instructor]

I love military men!

Women too ;)

[Hoggy]

Please read this link and send your support to this Father. (No money donations required). This poor man needs all the support that he can get!

http://donate.vfw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=2010_albert_snyder_pledge&autologin=true

[Orange and Brown]

This entire site is filled with AD and Vets.....I don't say this often but GOD BLESS MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ARMS, past/present and future!!!!


It ain't easy being easy.


FIDO!!!

You got that right Brother!!!!!!