I am a Mothers Son, a Sisters Brother. I played sports in High School. I delivered papers after school, mowed your lawn, walked your dog. I fished in a near-by pond, and when I got hot, swam in that same pond. I dated your daughter. I listened to your stories, and helped your husband in the yard. I was a boy scout, I played in the band. I worked in the fields picking beans, topping corn, plowing and planting. I was your friend and your neighbor. Then I grew up and joined the service.

My youthful days are lost in a haze of marching, war torn cities, explosions, gun battles, crying women and children. "And pain!" I carry a bible in my nap sack and a gun in my hand. I pray to God that this will all end soon, but it doesn't. I made good friends here, and lost some the other day. The Captain drafted letters to their families expressing condolances. Yet the conflict rages on.

I have seen other wars. (The American Revolution, Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korean War, Viet Nam War, Desert Storm, now The War in Iraq.) I've sat with my head in my hands crying. I miss my family, my friends, and all the people I've loved in those by-gone simpler times, when wars were something you read about that happened to other people.

I recieved a letter the other day from back home. It made my heart jump for joy. Just a few simple words about how Uncle Jim got better from his sickness, or how Tammy got married the other day. These things counted, for a soldiers life is lonely, and hurtful. The mangled bodies, the blood. That letter, at least for a brief moment, removed those horrible images, and gave me hope. Still I am home sick.

All I ask, is that you remember me when you talk to God. Ask him to protect me, and keep me safe. Ask him to end this conflict soon, and keep our country great. For I am fighting for all of our rights to be free. Free to chose! Free to live! Free to be!

The End.

As Veterans Day approaches, let us

remember "Our Joe's and Jane's." who

are off fighting for our rights.  Those men

and women who live in such conditions,

as we cannot even begin to comprehend,

who are lonely, in a different country, "Who

need our love and support!."  This is only a

small token of my appreciation to those

wonderful people.  To all my Gentle readers,

stop and say a prayer for them.  (please) 

Thank you all and God Bless!   Judi