Such is the idiocy of youth, who have been raised on the hype and lies of those who would hand their right to freedom over to anyone who will help line their pockets, and tell them what they WANT to hear. They have never shared a foxhole with a wounded and/or dead buddy; they have never seen the atrocities that a tyrannical dictatorship can and will inflict even on its own people.

I pray to God, that these young idiots never are forced to see the truth as I have seen it. I pray that they live long and ignorant lives, and continue to be able to spit on me and my old and worn uniform, which I keep as a proud memento of the days I spent in the company of true heroes. I also pray for the day that such attire is no longer needed of thought of. However, until that day, or for what part of it I survive, my uniform stays ready, in case there is need for me to adorn it again. When those same people, who spat on it, scream, beg, and cry for its support and security once more.

My eye stays sharp, my trigger finger steady, and my weapons in good and dependable working order, with plenty of ammunition at the ready. Much of the next war will not be fought, "Over there." It will be fought in our own streets, against an enemy that we have welcomed in, with open arms, who thinks us ALL as gullible as the students who spit on military uniformed guardians. Boy, have they ever got a surprise coming.

I am an old dog, but my ears, eyes, and teeth are still sharp. When the time comes, I will again, adorn the proud uniform of my country, and step back into harm's way, because of my family, my home, and the beliefs that I was born and raised to respect. My only regret will be as it has always been, that those for whom we fight and die, would gladly sell us out to the highest bidder, if they thought it would add to their coffers as much as the traditional pieces of silver, paid to another Judas.
Ex-Sgt. Earl D. Jones,
HQ, HQ&Supt. Cmd, 1st Infantry Division, US Army, (Viet Nam)

"I am many things, for many different reasons. I am 2nd, a citizen of this country; I am 3rd, a father and husband; I am 4th, a voter and supporter of my government. But, I am 1st, a soldier and protector of my family, my friends and neighbors, and my government and religious beliefs. I was always taught that it was my duty to be so, and be the best at it that I can be; and because as a man, I cannot feel myself to be a true man, if I do otherwise." ... "No one prays louder, or more sincerely, for peace, than the soldier in the foxhole, and no one works harder for it, or gives more to maintain it."

 © Earl Jones March 2003