Your cell phone is in your pocket.  
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.


You talk trash about your 'buddies' that aren't with you.  
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.  


You walk down the beach, checking out the pretty girls.  
He patrols the streets, looking out for snipers and IEDs.  


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 that the restaurant got your order wrong.  
He doesn't get to eat today.  


Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.  
He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.   


You go to the mall and get your hair done.   
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.   


You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.  
He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.  


You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.  
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.   


You hug and kiss your loved ones, 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 hear the jokes about the war, and may think badly of men like him.  
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.  


You’re asked to do a chore by your parents.  You complain.   
He does exactly what he’s told, even if it puts his life in danger.  


You sit on the couch and watch TV.  
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.  


You crawl into your soft bed and get comfortable for a nice night’s sleep.  
He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.  


You leave for work each morning and think about what you’ll have for dinner when you get home that evening.
He leaves on a mission each day and wonders if he’ll make it back at all.


REMEMBER always that these are our Troops, our sons and daughters, doing their duty.
Do not forget them