“The Military Man”
by Karen Patterson
(Excerpts)
Read aloud during the Banquet
2007 Leadership Conference
Clarence Gagner
Postmaster Retired
PO Box 93
Brooks MN 56715-0093
Email: crgagner@hotmail.com
Cell: 218-686-5702
The average age of a military soldier is 19. He is short haired, tight muscled, and considered by society as
half man and half boy.
Not yet old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to fight and even die
for his country.
He is most likely a recent high school graduate, probably an average
student, has pursued some form of sporting activity, and drives a 10 year old
jalopy.
He has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left
or swears to be waiting for him when he returns from half a world away.
He listens to rock & roll, rap, or jazz, and to a 155mm
Howitzer. He is 10 to 15 pounds lighter
now then when he left home because he works or fights from before dawn to well
after dark.
He is not always good at writing letters home, but he can field strip
his rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite the nomenclature of a machine
gun or grenade launcher and use either one very effectively, if he must.
He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He obeys orders instantly and without
hesitation, but not without spirit or individual dignity.
He keeps his canteen full and feet dry. He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never forgets to
clean his rifle. If you are thirsty he
will share his water, if you are hungry he will share 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 his weapons like they
were his hands. He can save your life
or take it, because that is his job. He
has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime.
He has wept in public or private, for friends who have fallen in combat
and is unashamed to be seen crying.
He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body
while at rigid attention wanting to “Square Away” those around him who haven’t
bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking.
Day in and Day out he defends our right to be disrespectful. 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 our country free for
over 200 years.
He will do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and he asks
for nothing in return.
Our NAPUS tribute to the Dedicated American Soldier!