He is a short haired, well built lad who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears and just about old enough to buy a round of drinks, but old enough to die ...for his country.... He's not particulary keen on hard work but he'd rather be grafting in Afghanistan than be unemployed in the UK. He recently left comprehensive school where he was probably an average sudent, played some sort of sport, drives a ten year old rust bucket, and knew a girl that either broke up with him when he left or swore to be waiting when he returns. He moves easily to Rock and Roll or Hip-Hop and even better to the rattle of a 7.62mm machine gun. He is about a stone lighter than when he left home because he is working or fighting from dawn to dusk and well beyond. He has trouble spelling, so letter writing is a pain for him, but he can strip a rifle in 25 seconds and reassemble it in the dark. He can recite every detail of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use both effectively if he has to. He digs trenches and latrines without the aid of machines and can apply first aid like a professional paramedic. He can march until he is told to stop, or stay still until told to move! He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without a rebellious spirit or a sense of personal dignity. He has two sets of uniform with him; he washes one and wears the other. He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never forgets to clean his rifle. If you are thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food is your food. He'll even share his life-saving ammunition with you in the heat of a fire fight if you run low. He often works twice as long and hard as a civilian, draws half the pay, has nowhere to spend it, aad can still find some ironic humour init all. He's not afraid to "b*****k" anyone who show's disrespect when the Regimental colours are on display or the National Anthem is played; yet in an odd twist, he would defend anyone's right to be an individual. He can save your life or he can take it........ thats his job.........it's what a soldier does. He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime. He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and he is unashemed to show it or admit it. He feels every Bugle note of the 'Last Post' or 'Sunset' vibrate through his body while standing rigidly to attention. Just as with generations of young people before him, he is paying the price for our freedom. He is the latest in a long line of British Fighting Men that have kept the Country free for hundreds of years. He asks for nothing from us execpt our respect, friendship and understanding. You may not like what he does, but sometimes he doesn't like it either...he just has to do it. Remember him always, for he has earned OUR respect and admiration.
We Will Remember.................... 11.11.11
