A Soldier....

Here is a picture I found that was taken earlier this year. A few of us were walking to the DFAC when we stopped to talk to this soldier. He was staying with his vehicle while his buddies were in the PX shopping. He is a 19 year old from Guam. We stayed talking for sometime. He told us that he was not doing what he was trained to do. He is a refueler and works vehicle maintenance. But they need everyone out on patrols. The Striker vehicle he rides in had been hit three times with him in the Turret. He said it is scary as hell, but you just keep going and keep praying. He's hoping to go to college after he finishes his tour. He wants to go back and live in Guam. I hope he survives this war and is able to do all the things he wants.

As we left he said, "Thanks for being here, we really do appreciate it". Those words from a soldier, especially this one, bring on a surge of emotion. It is why we are here.

Robert