They didn’t get issued
Dog tags, boots or army greens
They are too young
They are not even teens
But every day they got to war
Their life has changed
It isn’t like before
They are too young to
Have weapons by their side
But this is their fight
They have nowhere to hide
They give up everything
And they don’t even know
Why they are left behind
While their loved ones go
They never had the proper
Weeks of training
They “suck it up” without
Complaining
They go weeks without a
Call or a letter
Hoping the time will
Make things better
They don’t even get
Paid for everything they do
Some don’t even know the sacrifice
They make, they have no clue
Some will never understand
Why they continue to fight
Thru 365 days and 365 nights
They were taught to never accept defeat
To always continue
Until the mission is complete
They are too young
And still they follow orders
Who are these people you may ask
The kids of an Army soldier
{written for the two people that mean the most to me}

My whole world seemed to be falling apart,
Then to a soldier I have given my heart.
Though no truth is better known,
I still have pride even when I’m alone.

I find it not miles that distance us,
But, the dragging lull of time that must.

I will stand by his side,
And my emotions won’t ever die.
This is his choice,
With patriotic call of voice.

HE IS MY PROUD ARMY LIFE.

A lasting tribute from the Marine Corps, whom the Navy Corpsman has the highest respect and honor to serve, Lieutenant General Chesty Puller, said it best,

“You guys are the Marines doctor–There’s none better in the business than a Navy Corpsman”

In the Navy there is a most elite team,
one that has a unique history of sacrifice and service unequaled,
a proud tradition past to present of unsurpassed commitment to humanity,
their heritage, every battlefield upon which they serve,
respect and trust justly deserved,
always the first wave going ashore,
warriors they may be, but of a different breed,
their emblem the Caduceus, symbolic, comforting,
their training, relief of pain and suffering,
every life saved, their victory.

Their record at war, the most decorated Corps
for heroism above and beyond,
it was not glory that drove them on, it was the Oath, the one,
all of medicine is based upon,
the job of the Corpsman, whether a fleet sailor
or Marine on the scene, their unspoken creed,
what they practice in every way,
let no man die on my watch today.

Day or night, rain or shine, dead tired or asleep in bed,
whenever, wherever the need, injured, or just needing,
a friend to confide, the Navy Corpsman,
will always be there, worldwide.

A symbol of respect, pride, and strength,
not to be ruffled, wadded, or soiled,
to be folded, unfurled, raised for all to see,
as in going into battle resounding victory.

Not to be tattered, torn, or burned in effigy,
rather a symbol of hope to those in bondage,
of hate for those who seek to enslave,
of patriotism to those who guard fiercely,
enshrined with those who died for liberty,
entrusted to each generation to decide its fate,
to be the most loved or most hated,
to be seen in every city, state, and on foreign soil,
wherever seen, America is found.

No other symbol rises above or would be allowed,
representing freedom, recognized the world round,
a powerful adversary to an enemy
a gentle giant to those who are represented.

A symbol of red and white,
with fifty shining stars on a field of blue,
call it a flag,
in reality it is you.