A soldier's story is one of extreme discipline, extensive training, mediocre pay, separation from love ones, and even resentment and second class status at times.   He or she is a man or woman who, for any number of reasons, raised his or her right hand and took an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States of America and obey the orders of those appointed over them.  For whatever reason they entered the military, most will in time become skilled in their job and dedicated to their fellow soldier.

If during their period of service to their country they should experience combat they will in days evolve into seasoned veterans.   It does not take long in combat to become harden, and savvy to the ways of war.  Some will become driven by duty, honor and country.  Others will feel the rush associated with surviving a death defying experience.  A few will experience both emotions.   From those few will come the warriors, who when grouped with others like themselves, will accomplish the impossible.

It is these soldiers that become the meat of special operations forces. They are the “can do,” “no sweat,” “meat eaters,” that when asked to do the unthinkable, will jump at the chance to go, because nothing is more gratifying than doing something others would not attempt.  If a battle is won or a life is saved in the process, the satisfaction becomes almost unbearable.   In short, these soldiers live for the opportunity to serve.

Glory and recognition may be a small part of the needs of such warriors.  The knowledge, however, that they have been there and done that, against all odds, is quite enough for most.

I salute the men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States, especially in these times of trial.

Winston V. Rogers April 4, 2003