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>> From Lee Bendell Col/USMC Ret.
>>
>> Average teenager vs 19 year-old PFC
>>
>> Your alarm goes off, you hit the snooze and sleep for
>> another 10 minutes.
>> 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 your cell phone is in your pocket.
>> He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his
>> dog tags.
>> -- --
>> You talk trash on 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 walks 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 does not get to eat today.
>> -- --
>> Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
>> He wears the same things for months, 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 are angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
>> He is told he will be held an extra 2 months.
>> ----
>> You call your girlfriend and set a date for that
>> night.
>> 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
>> government and remembers why he is fighting.
>> -- --
>> You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of the
>> men like him.
>> He hears the gun fire and bombs.
>> -- --
>> You see only what the media wants you to see.
>> He sees the bodies lying around him.
>> -- --
>> You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You
>> don't.
>> He does what he is told.
>> -- --
>> You stay at home and watch TV.
>> He takes whatever time he is given to call and write
>> home, sleep, and eat.
>> -- --
>> You crawl into your bed, with down pillows, and try to
>> get comfortable.
>> He crawls under a tank for shade and a 5 minute nap,
>> only to be awakened by gun fire.
>> -- --
>> You sit there and judge him, saying the world is a
>> worse place because of men like him.
>> If only there were more men like him??
>>
>> If you support your troops, send this on.
>>
>> I do and I just did.