Musings From Momma Marine - Supporting Our Heroes with Care Packages
HALF BOY, HALF MAN
Tue, Feb 24 2009 06:13
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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.
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.
He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from 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 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.
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 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 hat, or even stop talking.
In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.
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 200 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.
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.
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 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 hat, or even stop talking.
In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.
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 200 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 picture. . .
A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.
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A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.
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Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Amen.
Of all the gifts you could give a U.S. Soldier, Sailor, Coastguardsman, Marine, or Airman, prayer is the very best one.
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SEMPER FI our Sons and Daughters, We love you! Our CHAMPIONS! Our WARRIORS! Our HEROES!
Comments
Keep Them In Your Prayers
Wed, Feb 11 2009 03:08
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My Watch Tonight
enjoy the video and music....
and when you see one of our Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Corpsmen, Reservists, tell them THANK YOU! Shake their hand, pay for their dinner or movie or just give them a great big hug! But for sure, KEEP THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS!
.
More from SgtMaj Lewallen
Mon, Feb 9 2009 06:33
| challenge coins, USMC coins, Letters from IRAQ, SgtMaj
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The SgtMaj also sent his USMC Challenge Coin. These coins are collected by the men and used in oh so many ways..... there are stories connected to each and every one collected and I'd love to hear your story if you'd care to share it. This coin is very special to this Momma and it will be treasured for a long, long time..... Oorah! 
Thank you from the 1/3 Marines in Iraq
Mon, Feb 9 2009 05:51
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Our Marines with 1 Battalion 3rd Marines are getting ready to come hom
e. Their mail is being forwarded to their home duty station and we have sent out our last Support Boxes to them in Iraq. This morning the mail carrier left quite a surprise in our mail box. It was a box FROM Iraq. The SgtMaj sent an American Flag that had been flown over their Camp in Iraq and a Certificate of Authenticity. He also sent a letter of appreciation and an USMC Challenge Coin.
e. Their mail is being forwarded to their home duty station and we have sent out our last Support Boxes to them in Iraq. This morning the mail carrier left quite a surprise in our mail box. It was a box FROM Iraq. The SgtMaj sent an American Flag that had been flown over their Camp in Iraq and a Certificate of Authenticity. He also sent a letter of appreciation and an USMC Challenge Coin.None of this would have been possible without
the help of so many of the wonderful Supporters
who honestly do SUPPORT OUR HEROES! I want you to know how much it means to our
Deployed Troops that you care enough to send your SUPPORT to them through cards, letters, prayers and Boxes..... This letter is for you as much as it is for me:
From: Battalion Sergeant Major
To: Jodi McClellan
Subj: FLAG PRESENTATION
This flag is presented to the Jodi (Momma) McClellan for all your patriotic support to the Marines and Sailors of Task Force 1st Battalion 3D Marines while deployed to Karma, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It means a great deal to the men knowing that great American like you is looking out for their welfare and supporting their efforts with care packages and letters of support. There has been a great deal of sacrifice in this war on terrorism, but we are winning. This would not be possible if we didn't have the relentless support of friends and families back on home front. We get some great support from our fellow Americans, but your level of love and support is extraordinary. We are honored to have you as our Marine Mom.
Thank you for your continued service to our great nation and to the Corps.
R.A. Lewallen
