[ Some of you have already seen bits and parts of this I suppose.  GOD bless our armed forces. Hooah! LTD ]

TIME MAGAZINE’S 2003 MAN OF THE YEAR

         TIME MAGAZINE GOT IT RIGHT THIS YEAR (IN THE UNITED STATES)

The average age pf 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 yet 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 car

than wash his father's; but he has never collected his own unemployment either.

He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some

form of sport activities, drove a ten year old jalopy, and had 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 wing and 155 howitzer.

He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or

fighting before dawn to well after dusk.

He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle

in thirty 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 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 BDU's: 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. If 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 can save your life--or take it, because that is his job. He will often do twice the work

of a civilian, draw half the pay and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more

suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime

He has stood atop mountains of dead bodies, and helped to create them. He has wept in

public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed. He feels 

every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while

tempering the burning desire to "square-away"  those around him who haven't bothered

to stand, remove their cap, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from

home, he protects their mindless disrespect.

Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, 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

this country free for over 228 years.

He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. Remember him,

always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood.

And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of

going to War when our nation calls us to do so. As you go to bed tonight, remember

this photo. A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.

"LORD, hold our troops in Your loving hands. Protect families for the selfless

acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen."

Prayer: When you read this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer for

our troops in IRAQ, in AFGHANISTAN, sailors on ships, and airmen 

in the air. Of all the gifts that we can give a US Soldier, Sailor,

Coastguardsman, Marine, or Airman, prayer for them and our

leaders is the very best one.

                         FREEDOM IS NOT FREE

    Protecting freedom

   for over 228 years !!