I wanted to leave you with this poem I received a few months back, I am not sure who the author is, but it really touches home.

The soldier stood and faced God, Which must always come to pass

He hoped his shoes were shining, Just as brightly as his brass

"Step forward now, you Soldier, How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek? To my Church have you been true?

The soldier squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't

Because those of us who carry guns,  Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was tough,

And sometimes I've been violent, Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny, That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked a lot of overtime, When the bills got just too steep,

And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear,

And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place, Among the people here,

They never wanted me around, Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,  It needn't be so grand,

I never expected or had too much,  But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne, Where the saints often trod

As the soldier waited quietly, For the judgment of his God,

"Step forward now, you Soldier, You've borne your burdens well,

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, You've done your time in Hell."

To all those who have served, God bless everyone of you

ALL FOR ONE

SSG Jerry W. Rasberry

Operation Desert Storm

US Army July 1990 - Present

TRYING TO REACH RICHARD SEVEC AND NORMAN SMITH OR ANYOTHER MEMBERS OF 1-40 A BATT.  PLEASE E-MAIL ME. THANK YOU.