Soldiers matter (important topic please read)
toners
Posts: 403
I know that this is an off topic but I Just wanted to share this with other board members, it was written by a fellow soldier in our battalion and really hits home. thanks in advance for your prayers.
SFC Allen Cartledge
As a member of a Field Artillery BattalionHeadquarters for in the Georgia National Guard on a hill high above the city.
Outside, an American flag is stiff against the January wind. A sign hangs from a corner of the building.
"Soldiers Matter," it reads.
These past few days - as a cold war ends and the cold winter begins - soldiers really do matter.
In times like these, they matter even more.
Across the state, many of them are headed for secret destinations. We know some as friends. Or friends of friends. Our emotions also spill over to the ones we don't know. After all, they're somebody's son. Somebody's daughter. Somebody's father. Somebody's mother.
Soldiers matter because we have placed our lives and our freedoms in their hands. They are our guardians. When they come home - and we pray they do - what will matter most is that we never stop thanking them.
For months, we have known that this conflict was coming to a head. It has been the longest pregame show in military history. By now, all doubts have been deployed, too.
"Are we going to war?" Those first two words are gradually being transposed. The question mark has been erased.
We are on the ruffled edges of a war. Although no shots have been fired, goodbyes are being said without assurances.
Families are watching their loved ones depart into the unknown. They can only guess that the compass is pointing toward camels and oil fields.
Even in photographs, you notice their tears and share their fears. For me - as the father of one son now old enough to be drafted and another fast approaching - the threat of any prolonged military conflict is a frightening prospect.
Think of how a war might affect you. Will it keep you awake at night? Will it change your daily routine? Will it prevent you from talking on your cell phone or postpone your monthly bunko game?
Were it not for high gas prices and that cable hooked into the back of your TV, would you even notice?
There have been times during these past 16 months I have expected a green light to come into view. Maybe my expectations were fueled by something as simple as a plane from nearby Robins Air Force Base breaking the still of morning with a sense of urgency.
The clouds have been moving in. Some would say it was inevitable.
Of course, there are those who believe this is a fray we should not enter. They warn we could be overmatched by a madman's tools of destruction.
Still others believe we have no choice. They're convinced the results will be swift and decisive in our favor.
Through it all, we can save our sanity by maintaining our sense of humor. The other night, it was Jay Leno splitting sides.
"Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld announced he will be seeking more military base closings next year. The good news is that most are in Iraq."
The sign at the headquarters on the hill reminds us.
"Soldiers Matter."
Let us be mindful. They do.
SFC Allen Cartledge
As a member of a Field Artillery BattalionHeadquarters for in the Georgia National Guard on a hill high above the city.
Outside, an American flag is stiff against the January wind. A sign hangs from a corner of the building.
"Soldiers Matter," it reads.
These past few days - as a cold war ends and the cold winter begins - soldiers really do matter.
In times like these, they matter even more.
Across the state, many of them are headed for secret destinations. We know some as friends. Or friends of friends. Our emotions also spill over to the ones we don't know. After all, they're somebody's son. Somebody's daughter. Somebody's father. Somebody's mother.
Soldiers matter because we have placed our lives and our freedoms in their hands. They are our guardians. When they come home - and we pray they do - what will matter most is that we never stop thanking them.
For months, we have known that this conflict was coming to a head. It has been the longest pregame show in military history. By now, all doubts have been deployed, too.
"Are we going to war?" Those first two words are gradually being transposed. The question mark has been erased.
We are on the ruffled edges of a war. Although no shots have been fired, goodbyes are being said without assurances.
Families are watching their loved ones depart into the unknown. They can only guess that the compass is pointing toward camels and oil fields.
Even in photographs, you notice their tears and share their fears. For me - as the father of one son now old enough to be drafted and another fast approaching - the threat of any prolonged military conflict is a frightening prospect.
Think of how a war might affect you. Will it keep you awake at night? Will it change your daily routine? Will it prevent you from talking on your cell phone or postpone your monthly bunko game?
Were it not for high gas prices and that cable hooked into the back of your TV, would you even notice?
There have been times during these past 16 months I have expected a green light to come into view. Maybe my expectations were fueled by something as simple as a plane from nearby Robins Air Force Base breaking the still of morning with a sense of urgency.
The clouds have been moving in. Some would say it was inevitable.
Of course, there are those who believe this is a fray we should not enter. They warn we could be overmatched by a madman's tools of destruction.
Still others believe we have no choice. They're convinced the results will be swift and decisive in our favor.
Through it all, we can save our sanity by maintaining our sense of humor. The other night, it was Jay Leno splitting sides.
"Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld announced he will be seeking more military base closings next year. The good news is that most are in Iraq."
The sign at the headquarters on the hill reminds us.
"Soldiers Matter."
Let us be mindful. They do.
Love those TONED Coins, a true Addict!!!
Proud member of TCCS!
Proud member of TCCS!
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Comments
Registry 1909-1958 Proof Lincolns
How kind of you to remember the people who protect this country, our freedoms and sacrifice so much. As an active duty Navy guy with almost 25 years of service to this great country of ours, your sentiments are sincerely appreciated. Since you are obviously a patriot, why don't you PM me your address and let me send you an american flag that has flown from one of our great warships.
Sincerely,
Arthur
We will prevail. History has proven that those who challenge us, end up deposited in the bowels of
history as Providence guides us.
I am reminded of the Lexington-Concord 50c and the Massachusetts quarter. I think they are two very
patriotic coins.
Brian.
The Ludlow Brilliant Collection (1938-64)
PS Sailors matter too!
Hat's off to all that have served in the past, present and best to come!
Very well written and sometime we all need a "reminder" as to the sacrafices made by the men and women of our Military!
Check out my PQ selection of Morgan & Peace Dollars, and more at:
WWW.PQDOLLARS.COM or WWW.GILBERTCOINS.COM
Allen
Proud member of TCCS!
Dan
Allen
Proud member of TCCS!
20 years in the USAF and proud of it!