They Didn't Have To Do It.

I know someone who enlisted in the United States Army and it got me thinking about who he really is. Half boy and half man. Yes he's 19 years old, so he's legally considered an adult. The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities. He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer. He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because well he just graduated from boot camp. This wasn't his first choice, but it is what he's doing now. Yes he's not on the frontlines of Iraq, but his job is still important to our country. Every time I am around him now, I just want to get on my hands and knees and thank him. He didn't have to serve our country, but he is anyways. As we enter the year 2010, why don't we start thanking people that serve our country? The people who leave their loved ones, their friends and family, to be stationed in some place away from home. They don't have to do it, but they do anyway. The least we can do it thank them.