American Soldier

You came and visited my classroom today, a soldier outfitted in your dress blues, everything tip top from your haircut to the shine on your shoes. You spoke to us about your tour overseas, fighting on the front lines in Afghanistan.

You told us about living in tents, and having to eat food from the chow hall, or MREs when you were out in the field. You lived with the constant fear of mortar attacks, and always fearing the next explosion near your base. You always prayed before journeying out on a mission, praying that you and your battalion would come back alive.

There was always the threat of bombs along the roadway, hidden in the dirt. Your vehicle could come upon one with no notice, and it would explode. Snipers were everywhere, and you had to have your eyes peeled at all times for anyone hiding in the shadows. You were always on edge, it wasn't possible to relax.

More than what you had to worry about around you, mostly you missed all of those you loved back home. During your tour, you missed Christmas, your anniversary, the birth of your baby, and your brother's high school graduation. Your grandpa passed away before you could get back, and you missed the funeral. Your grandpa was your biggest supporter when you were a quarterback on the high school football team. He always encouraged you to do your best, and to believe in yourself. That's what led you to join the military after graduation.

Unfortunately, your military jeep hit an IED one night when you were out on routine patrol. You survived, but 5 members of your battalion did not. The drs said you were lucky to survive, but you will never walk again.

Through our tears, we realized you did this for us. You gave up so much so we could live in this beautiful America, the best country in the world. We are free to speak, free to worship, free to bear arms, and free to live as we wish. As for me and my family, we choose to say thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you for the sacrifice you make every day, for all you give up, and for all you endure, to guarantee that America is the best place to live in all the world. We support you and thank you each and every day. God bless the USA, and God bless the American soldier.