One of the bravest things you could do 
Is join the armed forces. 
Serving your country 
While knowing your life is on the line. 
 
No matter your reasoning behind getting in 
You have become part of a family. 
You are part of a group made to serve and protect. 
 
It has never been easy. 
There are times you want to quit. 
But at the end of the day  
You know this is what you are meant to do. 
 
Your willingness to serve and protect 
and always knowing that you might not have a tomorrow, 
has earned you respect by most everyone in the country. 
Some knowing that they would never be able to do that. 
Others wishing and hoping they could do the same. 
 
Kids looking up to you, 
wishing that someday that could be them. 
For you’re the influence behind them joining. 
No matter how you came out of the war, 
you have gained complete respect from your country. 
 
No matter your job or rank 
the world sees them all the same. 
Someone who has risked everything 
to fight for their freedom. 
Someone braver than most. 
A U.S. Solider.