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Merry Christmas From Iraq

11BangBang

New member
Joined
Dec 24, 2010
Messages
5
Location
Washington
Twas the night before christmas,
he lived all alone,
in a one bedroom house made of
plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney
with presents to give,
and to see just who
in this home did live.

I looked all about,
a strange sight i did see,
no tinsel, no presents,
not even a tree.

No stocking by mantle,
just boots filled with sand,
on the wall hung pictures
of far distant lands.

With medals and badges,
awards of all kinds,
a sober thought
came through my mind.

For this house was different,
it was dark and dreary,
i found the home of a soldier,
once i could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping,
silent, alone,
curled up on the floor
in this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle,
the room in such disorder,
not how i pictured
a united states soldier.

Was this the hero
of whom i'd just read?
Curled up on a poncho,
the floor for a bed?

I realized the families
that i saw this night,
owed their lives to these soldiers
who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world,
the children would play,
and grownups would celebrate
a bright christmas day.

They all enjoyed freedom
each month of the year,
because of the soldiers,
like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder
how many lay alone,
on a cold christmas eve
in a land far from home.

The very thought
brought a tear to my eye,
i dropped to my knees
and started to cry.

The soldier awakened
and i heard a rough voice,
"santa don't cry,
this life is my choice;

i fight for freedom,
i don't ask for more,
my life is my god,
my country, my corps."

the soldier rolled over
and drifted to sleep,
i couldn't control it,
i continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours,
so silent and still
and we both shivered
from the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave
on that cold, dark, night,
this guardian of honor
so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over,
with a voice soft and pure,
whispered, "carry on santa,
it's christmas day, all is secure."
 

Grapeshot

Legendary Warrior
Joined
May 21, 2006
Messages
35,317
Location
Valhalla
Thank you for your service Bangbang and the reminder.

Tell everyone there the same and Merry Christmas from those at home. We DO care.
 

tat2ed_guy

Regular Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2009
Messages
184
Location
Marysville, Washington, USA
Merry Christmas to you all, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Stay safe.

I know your thoughts and feelings, I just returned home in Oct. from a year tour over there.

GOD BLESS
 

slowfiveoh

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 15, 2009
Messages
1,415
Location
Richmond, VA
Merry Christmas bangbang.

I think about my brothers and sisters all the time, still over there, fighting a war I have long since left.

Much love, and thanks.
 

FMCDH

Regular Member
Joined
Nov 9, 2008
Messages
2,037
Location
St. Louis, MO
Wow, talk about a tear jerker. I will have to forward that one around.

Thanks for the poem and for your service overseas brother.

God Bless our troops, and Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays.
 

Deleted_User

Guest
Joined
Aug 30, 2010
Messages
807
Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to my brothers and sisters in arms. I don't forget easily those I served with and those still able to serve in my place. God bless you, come home safe.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
 

Grapeshot

Legendary Warrior
Joined
May 21, 2006
Messages
35,317
Location
Valhalla
The day has past, but not the thoughts and well wishes. Those are universal and have no time limits. We shall keep the home fires burning and a light in the window. Do that which you do so well, keep safe and be of good cheer.

Thank you.
 

11BangBang

New member
Joined
Dec 24, 2010
Messages
5
Location
Washington
ohh dear...

oh me oh my! i forgot to introduce myself!

I'm a south sound native, olympia born and raised, I attended Washington state for a while where my roomate turned me onto OCDO. I've been OC'ing now for 3 years, only one so called "incident". all other experiences have been 100% positive.

I'm currently on active duty, serving as a rifleman 3BN 7th Infantry Regiment. ( Yes there are STILL combat troops in Iraq) . I LOVE my job.

I have more a very respectable collection, which seems to get get bigger every time I'm home, most recently added a new Springfield Milspec to the pile of 1911's at home, (my first love)

the pic is of my every day carry. AR in the trunk, MC OPERATOR in a serpa OC, xd 9 sub as a BUG.

Anyways enough small talk. Thanks to everyone for the support, and as always;

"COTTONBALERS BY GOD! "
 

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amlevin

Regular Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2007
Messages
5,937
Location
North of Seattle, Washington, USA
oh me oh my! i forgot to introduce myself!

I'm a south sound native, olympia born and raised, I attended Washington state for a while where my roomate turned me onto OCDO. I've been OC'ing now for 3 years, only one so called "incident". all other experiences have been 100% positive.

I'm currently on active duty, serving as a rifleman 3BN 7th Infantry Regiment. ( Yes there are STILL combat troops in Iraq) . I LOVE my job.

I have more a very respectable collection, which seems to get get bigger every time I'm home, most recently added a new Springfield Milspec to the pile of 1911's at home, (my first love)

the pic is of my every day carry. AR in the trunk, MC OPERATOR in a serpa OC, xd 9 sub as a BUG.

Anyways enough small talk. Thanks to everyone for the support, and as always;

"COTTONBALERS BY GOD! "


How do you like the scope on your AR? Barska, isn't it?
 

amlevin

Regular Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2007
Messages
5,937
Location
North of Seattle, Washington, USA
its a leupold CQ/T 1-3X with illuminated circle/dot. annnnd I love it. Takes 1st place over my Acog because I can crank it down to 1X for the short stuff.

http://www.leupold.com/tactical/products/scopes/mark-4-cqt-riflescopes/mark-4-1-3x14mm-cqt/

Looked alot like the Barska I saw in a local shop. Barska is surprising for quality and price. Often more than half the price with no discernible differences. Have on on a Rem 700 and shoot 1/2 MOA all day long with it changing ranges regularly from 100 to 300, back to 200, back to 300, and then back to 100 yards with virtually no errors.

Was just wondering.
 
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