[AccessD] OT:Xmas Soldier

I've seen it before.

My first husband, and the father of my children was in the Navy during the 
first Iranian crisis (Jimmy Carter). It was a tense time and he was gone 
alot. Every cruise was 9 to 10 months and spent in the Indian Ocean. He said 
many times, they thought we were at war. We missed more than one Christmas 
together, and of course, all the holidays were like that. You can't take a 
couple weeks off when you're sitting in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

My current husband is in the Air Guard -- now the Kentucky Guard was 
actually called to active duty during the Vietnam War, but he wasn't in 
then. I think he was still in High School when that happened. Many of the 
men and women in the Kentucky Air Guard have been to Afghanistan and Iraq --  
some from many months. Bill's old boss spent a year in Afghanistan. The 
command of the entire base just got back from a long tour in Iraq. Several 
units have been on active duty over there over the past few years.

There's a good chance Bill will spend several months this year at the Texas 
border. He was in New Orleans after Katrina and even has a medal for his 
participation. In fact, it was the Kentucky Air Guard that got the airport 
up and running again. Two summers ago, he spent 3 months taking part in a 
special Army mission that I can't talk about, although I don't know anything 
of a classified nature. He just doesn't want me to talk about it online. My 
stepson is in the Army Guard. He's a drill sergeant and is often on active 
duty training active duty recruits. Being in the guard and reserves, neither 
has ever spent Christmas on active duty and away from home. We have been 
lucky.

The poem is wrong though. When they're home, their homes are happy, bright, 
and full of love. It's only when they're away that some of the light dims.

Susan H.


>I probably am Susan,
> See what you make of this poem. As an ex Soldier, I couldn't read it 
> without
> crying.
> Max
> Ps. Contrary to popular belief, I do have a heart!
>
>
> This was written by a British Serviceman serving overseas, but can equally
> apply to many nationalities.
>
> IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY - ALL IS SECURE