Eclipsehornplayer

I've touched on this before but I must admit that although I've generally thought highly of our men and women in uniform It was not until I moved to Columbus, Georgia just outside of Ft. Benning that I really understood and began to admire them.

This picture was taken the Saturday before Easter Sunday. I was at a minor league baseball game with my family in Columbus.

The 4 Army Rangers in front of us standing crisply at attention while the National Anthem played were some of the most well behaved and honarable people I've ever met in my life.

What the picture shows is in the eye of the beholder. Let me tell you what it does not show. These soldiers; the oldest one just 20 just prior to the start of the National Anthem got up from their seats and assisted a man walking with a cane to his seat. They are proud to wear the uniform. I asked where they would be going next and no surprise they will be deploying to Iraq in June. When I asked why it seemed they were so excited and in a hurry to possibly die I was told this. "Sir were not in a hurry to die; were in a hurry to make a difference."

Wow that was powerful. Were in a hurry to make a difference. I pondered that statement while we talked. I don't have much money, truth be told I'm hurting financially right now, but I just had to do something for these wonderful and thoughful young men with whom the protection of our nation rests in.

I walked over to them and said, "I want to thank you for your service. It's because of you and many others like you that I sleep well at night knowing that you watch over me and will not let me be harmed; not on your watch."

I slipped them a $20.00 bill and they tried to give it back to me but I would not have it. I told them that I know you are not paid what your worth so please take that and know that I am grateful for your service.

They thanked me and bought some hotdogs and bottled water and some form of french fries. I thought to myself they must not have much because they were acting as though I had done some major good deed for them. In my mind I just gave them a ballpark meal no frills, and no big deal.

These four soldiers inspired me far beyond words.

To all service men and woman past and present; Thank You and may God bless you!

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Eclipse MHY Bb Trumpet with interchangable leadpipes
Bach 229 25A C Trumpet
Getzen Capri Bb Cornet
GR & Monette mouthpieces

Mr. Semman

Thank you for your generosity. As a retired soldier, I can tell you that those Rangers really appreciated your gift. All our service personnel are truly the best. The best support that they can receive is our reaching out to them and just saying thanks.

Thank you again for your gift and especially for your demonstration of support.

Gary Lapine

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"Let your words be soft and sweet. You never know when you will have to eat them!"

Eclipsehornplayer

Thanks Gary,

Just wanted to share that. I am really enduring myself to our service personnel these days. More ARMY then anything else as I encounter that branch of the service more then any other. It's somewhat natural for me as my Maternal Grandfather served in the 132nd infantry in WWII in the south pacific.

I also served as a member of ARMY MARS when I lived in Michigan.

Best to you and thank you!

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Eclipse MHY Bb Trumpet with interchangable leadpipes
Bach 229 25A C Trumpet
Getzen Capri Bb Cornet
GR & Monette mouthpieces