The Ease Of Battle

     Now - Cell phones and cell phone signal, iTouch, iPod, terabyte hard drives with 330+ movies and TV seasons to watch, laptops, email, 7 layer cold weather gear, ponchos used as a shield to block the lights as they come on in the morning, wondering when I'll be able to watch another BSU football game at the chow hall, twin beds, the right kind of sling for my rifle, a fan to blow cold air on my face while I sleep...all luxuries I'm afforded or have access to... "Hey, its movie night, what should we watch?"

     Then - Using a poncho to shield the rain from his face as he's digging his fox hole to sleep in, reading a rain soaked hand written letter from his mother or wife, frozen boots in Bastogne or soaking wets boots in Okinawa with nothing but the shirt his back to keep him warm, using his hat as a way to push cool air to his face, sleeping where he sat down hoping it stays dry throughout the night..."Word is Battalion Mess is serving Cokes and steaks tonight, might even get a movie."  "You just wonder when in the hell is this going to be over.  Here I am, been out here for over 2 years and its still goin' and when are we goin' to get out of this mess.  When we gonna get back where we can have on dry clothes for the whole day, and live like human beings, instead of like rats."

     They were definitely a different breed.  I'll never be able to live up to what they did or sacrificed so I can have such an amazing life, no matter how horrible I think it may be...