Tuesday, November 11, 2008

11NOV08..............AS I SIT HERE TODAY IN MY UNIFORM WHILE ON BRIGADE STAFF DUTY , I ASK MYSELF IF THERE IS ANYWHERE I WOULD RATHER BE ON THIS HOLIDAY, I MEAN SURE I COULD BE AT ONE OF MY BUDS HOUSE GEARING UP FOR A BARBEQUE, OR MAYBE JUST CHILLING AT MY HOUSE PLAYING WITH MY DOGS AND WATCHING A COUPLE OF MOVIES ,OR PLAYING THE 360 KILLING SOME TERRORISTS WHO ARE TRYING TO LAY SIEGE TO LAS VEGAS, BUT AS I WALK AROUND THE RANGER HALL OF FAME AND WALK THRU THE HALLWAYS WHERE IT IS DEAD SILENT ASIDE FROM MY OWN FOOTSTEPS, I SEE PHOTOS AND READ ARCHIVES OF BATTLES PAST,WHERE ' WE WERE OUTNUMBERED' OR 'GIVEN UP FOR DEAD........' AND I STAND QUIET AND IN AWE WITH WHAT SOME OF THESE OLD TIMERS HAVE BEEN THROUGH, I MEAN THESE ARE THE STORIES YOU READ OR HEAR ABOUT AS A CHILD THAT MAKE YOU WANT TO GROW UP AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE,OR STAND VICTORIOUS ON THE BATTLEFIELD ,OR THAT JUST MAKE YOU PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN.THERE IS A STORY HERE ABOUT A YOUNG PFC IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC DURING WWII , THAT WHEN HIS UNIT WAS ABOUT TO GET OVERUN, WITH HIS PLATOON LEADER DEAD AND HIS OTHER LEADERSHIP IN PERIL AND CONFUSED GRABS THE MACHINE GUN FROM HIS PLATOON LEADERS HAND AND DROPS HIS CARBINE AND CHARGED THE JAPANESE COMPANY WHO WAS CLOSING IN ON HIS PLATOONS DEFENSIVE POSITION, WITH AN ASTOUNDING "FOLLOW ME" AND A "BLOOD CURDLING" SCREAM, KILLS FOUR JAPANESE SOLDIERS TO HIS FRONT AND IN TURN MOTIVATES HIS PLATOON TO FOLLOW HIS CHARGE , THROUGH HIS ACTIONS , ONE AMERICAN. ONE PFC. ONE 135LB KID FROM ANYWHERE USA,TURNED THE ENTIRE BATTLE AND MADE THAT WHOLE JAPANESE COMPANY SURRENDER TO ONE MAN. TO A KID ,HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR HIM,THAT PLATOON WOULD SURELY HAVE BEEN DESCIMATED ON THAT DAY OF DAYS. NOW THAT IS JUST ONE STORY THAT THESE WALLS WHISPER TO ME AS I WALK DOWN THESE HALLS CONDUCTING MY SAFETY CHECKS. THAT IS WHAT MAKES ME PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN, PROUD TO BE A SOLDIER,AN AIRBORNE RANGER,THAT IS WHAT MAKES ME PROUD TO BE A VETERAN.........................THERE IS NOWHERE THAT I WOULD RATHER BE!!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

HAPPY VETERANS DAY JAKE!!!!! You already know how proud we are of you but know that we support and love you no matter where you are at or what you do! YOU ARE THE BOMB...You drop them too! Thanks for the many years of service you have given to our country. Hope you have a good day...even if you are working.

Love ,
Your Big SIS

Julia said...

Happy Veteran's Day!
Way to go! We watched the parade today and wished you could have been there with us, in uniform, so we could all thank you in person.

ajwhet10 said...

You make me both humble and proud as I read your words. I remember some of the famous stories of heroism, and know that you belong among them for the courage you have shown and the lives you have saved. Your job is awesome, terrible, and vital to the freedom and well-being of America. Thank you for daring and caring and doing! It's an honor to be your mom.

Armed US Citizen said...

Words cannot convey the level of admiration I find myself feeling when I think of the choices you have made to be "on the front lines" where "the metal meats the meat".

The armed forces of this country from the battle of Breeds hill to Iraq are the reason we have the freedom enjoy the choice land that was set aside for us in this dispensation. You and the brave men and women who serve all around the world in the name of freedom and for the USA give us the hope in continued freedom and courage to face down those who would barter with that freedom which came at the price of much blood and treasure.

Every day should be Veterans day, but it is altogether fitting and propper that there be at least one day set aside to honor those who put themselves between our freedom and those who would take it away!

We all love you Jake!

Edna Guerrero said...

JAKE - I found you!!! You are an amazing and a true American! I am so proud of how far you have come. You are a true hero to all! Thank you for serving our wonderful country. You are an great example to those around you.

Keeper of Banners said...

Primo - I know that this comment is comming real late, but I want you to know that on Veteran's Day I was thinking of you and all of the other men and women who have worn our country's uniform. Thank you for all you have done for our country and continue to do. I'm proud to be your primo. God bless you and all your commrades!

ajwhet10 said...

"Jacob, it's interesting to watch and hear what you have to say about being an American. We sometimes forget that there are those who are giving their lives and time and effort to protecting this great country. Your family are proud to have you, and grateful for your service. May our Heavenly Father bless and guide you. Your grandma remembers you in her prayers."
From Grandma Smith

Julia said...

UPDATE! Where is an update?

Heli gunner Tom said...

It's good to read about a fellow Veteran... and THANK YOU! I served in Vietnam|: 68-70, as a helicopter door gunner, am retired from 30 years at Chrysler in Wisconsin and am now somewhat disabled according to the VA.
I also write a Christian based Journal that I hope you will check out in your spare time.
Good Hunting!

Cordially,
Tom Schuckman
tschuckman@aol.com

Anonymous said...

When some boys just play GI joes you decided to becoem one! You are so appreciated!

Gorges Smythe said...

I assume that was the story of Audey Murphy (spelling?). Thanks for your service and God bless you!

DebbieAnne55 said...

What an amazing hero and man you are Jake. I read your blog and am so in awe of YOU as you were in awe of those before you. God bless you and may you feel the love from your country as you are on the other side.

ajwhet10 said...

Thank you dear Son for caring so much the "protected" that you gave your life in our behalf. I have to be a better person every day because of that. You always have had my love, and will forever.