
What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we
have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.
A Soldiers Prayer..... Almighty Father, whose command is
over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient
to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in
purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Soldiers,
my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the
will to do the work of a soldier and to accept my share of responsibilities
with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily
performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my
Country and to the service in which you have entrusted to me. Help me to wear
my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I
must uphold. If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make
me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.
Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand
the answer to my prayer.











Here's a picture of SFC Douglas K. Cook, originally of Leoti, Kansas. He is currently deployed and on his way to Iraq with his National Guard Unit. We are moving to Bastrop, Texas as soon as he gets back. He fell in love with the area when we visited my sister Lupe and we plan to make it our home. Please pray for his safe return because he is truly a gem amongst men. He used to ride bulls and Ill bet he'd love your bull riding arena.







You stay up for 16 hours
He stays up for days on end.
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 in sick.
He gets shot at as others are
hit, and keeps moving forward.
You put on your anti war/don't
support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to
wear that shirt.
You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on
his chain next to his dog tags.
You talk trash about your
"buddies" that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of
his buddies again.
You walk down the beach, staring
at all the pretty girls.
He patrols the streets, searching
for insurgents and terrorists.
You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not
daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
You go out to lunch, and complain
because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He doesn't get to eat today.
Your maid makes your bed and
washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for
weeks, but makes sure 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're angry because your class
ran 5 minutes over.
He's told he will be held over an
extra 2 months.
You call your girlfriend and set
a date for tonight.
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 his letter close and
smells his love's perfume.
You roll your eyes as a baby
cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of
his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.
You criticize your government,
and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and
killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.
You hear the jokes about the war,
and make fun of men like him.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and
screams of the wounded.
You see only what the media wants
you to see.
He sees the broken bodies lying
around him.
You are asked to go to the store
by your parents. You don't.
He does exactly what he is told
even if it puts his life in danger.
You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is
given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.
You crawl into your soft bed,
with down pillows, and get comfortable.
He tries to sleep but gets woken
by mortars and helicopters all night long.
______________________________________
______________________________
For it has been said so truthfully that
It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the agitator, who has given us the freedom to protest.
It is the soldier who salutes the flag, serves beneath the flag, whose coffin is draped by the flag, who gives that protester the freedom to abuse and burn that flag.