American Soldier

On my way to work this morning, Toby Keith's, American Soldier came on the radio.  As I drove and listened to the lyrics, my eyes filled with tears.  It got me thinking about how military members aren't given the credit they deserve. 

Yes, we thank those that have just arrived back after serving over-seas.  Or thank someone in uniform in the store occasionally, but do we truly know what it means to serve in the United States military.  It doesn't matter which branch.  One is no better than the other.  They all serve a purpose and without them, we would not be free. 

I remember Jason saying when he was in the Air Force that he felt like his job wasn't as important since he worked in an office in a military hospital.  But there were sacrifices he (and we as a family) made because he signed his name on a dotted line to serve.  Just like our bodies, each part is important to make the body work.

After making that choice to join the military, that person's life is not really their own any more.  From that moment on, until they sign their discharge papers, they are told when, where and how.  They aren't allowed to just take vacation when they choose.  They have to get permission.  And if they have gotten permission, that could change at the last minute if their superior chooses.  Just watch an episode of Army Wives and you will see that this is true.  I know, Army Wives is on television, but they did a great job showing how military families have to live.  Don't get me wrong, military life can be wonderful.  I miss it a lot.  But there are definitely sacrifices and we as Americans need to be aware and grateful to those who serve.

My son is now serving in the United States Air Force and I could not be more PROUD of my boy for making that choice.  It's hard.  For him.  For us.  For his girlfriend.  My heart aches daily knowing that I can't hug him when I want. He's been gone for almost a year and has not been allowed to take leave to come home.  For so many young people his age, they are going to college and get to spend the summer at home.  Or at least visit for holidays.  It's hard knowing he won't be coming home whenever you wants.  We look forward to Christmas when, HOPEFULLY, he will get to come home for a few weeks. 

Military life is a wonderful life!  Let's remember their sacrifice and thank a United States military member for the choice they have made for our freedom.  Even if they are working in an office in a military hospital or a crew chief on the flight line.  They will be there when and if the call comes for them to go and fight for our freedom.  As Toby sings:

You can bet that I stand ready when the wolf growls at the door,
Hey, I'm solid, hey I'm steady, hey I'm true down to the core,
And I will always do my duty, no matter what the price,
I've counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice,
Oh, and I don't want to die for you,
But if dying's asked of me,
I'll bear that cross with an honor,
'Cause freedom don't come free

THANK YOU to all those military men and women who have served, who are serving, and those who will choose in the future!  THANK YOU to my amazing husband, to my wonderful son, to my sister-in-law, to all our other friends and family who have, are or will serve!!!! 

AMERICAN SOLDIER
I'm just trying to be a father,
Raise a daughter and a son,
Be a lover to their mother,
Everything to everyone.
Up and at 'em bright and early,
I'm all business in my suit,
Yeah, I'm dressed for success from my head down to my boots,
I don't do it for money, there's still bills that I can't pay,
I don't do it for the glory, I just do it anyway,
Providing for our future's my responsibility,
Yeah I'm real good under pressure, being all that I can be,
And I can't call in sick on Mondays when the weekends been to strong,
I just work straight through the holidays,
And sometimes all night long.
You can bet that I stand ready when the wolf growls at the door,
Hey, I'm solid, hey I'm steady, hey I'm true down to the core,
And I will always do my duty, no matter what the price,
I've counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice,
Oh, and I don't want to die for you,
But if dying's asked of me,
I'll bear that cross with an honor,
'Cause freedom don't come free.
I'm an American soldier, an American,
Beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take a stand,
When liberty's in jeopardy I will always do what's right,
I'm out here on the front lines, so sleep in peace tonight.
American soldier, I'm an American,
An American,
An American Soldier