When I placed my first geocache in 2005, I placed a print out of this in it. I had received it in a cache that had many in it, and asked the geocache finders to take one, read it, and share it. So, in my cache it went. 7.5 years later, when taking friends to the cache, I noticed right away that the print out was still in the cache. Well preserved, but definatley read many times. Today it occured to me that it would be the perfect thing to post today...in honor of our Veterans.
MILITARY MAN
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 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 a
155mm howitzer.
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.
you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if
you are 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 weapons like they were his hands.
He has asked nothing in return, except years.. he defends their right to be disrespectful. have fallen in combat and is unashamed.. his job.
our friendship and understanding
Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect
and admiration with his blood.
