A Soldier's Life

This is why the COMBAT vets are heroes. I'm proud to serve, but, I'm no hero.
Found this in my email. Apparently its been all over the web. Author unknown.


Your alarm sounds, and you hit the snooze button … again.
After the last attack, he was on patrol for two days without sleep.

You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days—or weeks—without running water.

You complain of a “headache”, and call out sick from work.
He gets shot at, as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.

You put on your anti-war shirt, and go shopping with friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.

You make sure that your fake fingernails look just right.
He clutches the Cross hanging on the chain next to his dog tags.

You talk trash about your “buddies” that aren’t at the bar with you.
He knows that he may never see some of his buddies again.

You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He patrols the streets, searching for bombs and snipers.

You complain about how hot it is in the mall parking lot.
He wears heavy gear, not daring to remove his helmet to wipe his brow.

You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He does not get to eat today, but was thankful for the one meal that he had yesterday.

Your mom makes your bed and washes your clothes during Spring Break.
He wears the same things for several days, but his weapons are clean.

You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn’t have time to brush his teeth today.

You are upset because your class ran five minutes over.
He just learned that his unit’s tour was extended by two months.

You call your girlfriend, and set a date for that night.
He waits for the mail, to see if there is a letter from home.

You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds this week’s letter close and smells his love’s perfume.

You roll your eyes as a baby cries in the restaurant.
He gets a photo of his new child, and wonders if they’ll ever meet.

You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees innocent people tortured and killed, and remembers why he’s fighting.

You hear your classmates criticize the war.
He hears the gunfire, the bombs, and the screams.

You see only the failures that the news media want you to see.
He sees the successes, even amidst the destruction all around him.

You are asked to go to the store by your parents, and complain.
He follows orders without hesitation, but longs to hear his father’s voice once more.

You choose to stay home, watch TV, and snack on the couch.
He is given one hour to eat, write home, pray, … and sleep.

You crawl into your bed, fluff the pillows, and try to get comfortable.
He crawls under a tank for shade and a 5-minute nap, only to be awakened by gun fire.

You sit there and judge him, saying that he is a fool for doing what he does.
If only there were more men like him, then fewer would need to do what he does.