This is a Proud American....

**Chas** · 08-02-06, 04:46 PM

My little sisters son is in the Marine's and is currently in Iraq for his 2nd tour.
He and My son Ben, inlisted at the same time for the same reasons.
Robbie is a big man , standing over 6'5" and was pushing the limits on the scales before entering the Marine's. This guy had to loose over 35 lbs to make the allowable weight requirments, and did it in short order.He actually had to loose 2 lbs the day of weigh in , out in the parking lot he did laps, made it in time and off he went, leaving my sister in tears.
I keep reminding her of what he did to make it in, he wanted it that badly.
That he will grow old one day and have grandchildren for her to spoil.
I also remind her of the sacrifices brave men gave so that we could be free and what a shame it would be, to not stand and fight for what they believe in.
To insure our freedom and protect our country, what a brave young man she also has raised. While many of the friends they grew up with are looking for a job or playing video games, these young men and women have decided to stand up and do something about it.
I have always taught my children that death is part of life, and we have no idea of when we go or how we go. Its all in the good Lords hands and we have no control, so we cant go thru life worrying about dying. That we all have the potential to live long and productive lives until the moment comes.
So Ben understands that someday he will have a house full of grandchildren and life will be wonderful. These same words went to my sister Terri when it was time for Robbie to return to duty a month ago, after a 30 day leave.
This photo was taken from his squads website...it was right after a raid that they did that uncovered a big stash of insurget wepons. ( He finally got a flack vest that fits!)
What a brave young man she has raised!

"Who-Ahh" Robbie!

Chas