Where do they come from, these young men and women who look beyond today and then raise their hand and pledge to defend our Country against all enemies foreign and domestic? They come from every town, city, county, and State in our land. Despite the knowledge of what might be, they come. And in droves. No longer do recruiters have to beat the bushes for candidates, they have to beat them off with a stick.
What makes a young man decide at the age of thirteen on a future in military service? I watched him slog through four years of ROTC. He’s on track now for joining the Guard.
What makes a young girl decide her future is in the Navy? And then not only graduate from the Academy but do it with honors and then go on to become one of the few women active duty pilots.
What makes a high school wrestler decide to forego the comfort of a here and now and join the regular Army? Ask my grandson.
What makes a boy decide at the age of six that his future is in the Corps, and not just make that decision, but never waiver from it, and in the next twelve years, despite injuries and surgeries and untold pain not only never lose sight of the goal but do everything in his power to ensure he achieves it? I have no answer, but another grandson proves it’s true.
What causes a heart to beat red, white, and blue? All I know is, the dream is not just alive, it’s hale, hearty, well, and living in North Texas.
God bless them. Every one.
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