Service

As a tad his soul was fired as he was regaled with family lore, Rapt, hearing of his forebear's national service in times of yore. Following tradition, he donned the uniform as his fathers did before, Eager to serve his nation in its uniform that he so proudly wore! He learned that in the misty past an ancestor served at Valley Forge, To help free the emerging nation from the bondage of King George. A forefather served as a sergeant in the Battle of New Orleans, Barely surviving the ordeal on rations of rancid bacon and beans! A grandfather carried a musket in the Mexican War affair. Another, a cavalryman in the Civil War, served with elegant flair. In the Spanish-American fray, a relative charged up San Juan Hill. His great-granddad led a platoon in World War One with consummate skill! His grandad was a fighter pilot during World War Two, becoming an ace, Later to soar as an astronaut through the vast expanses of space! His Dad, a colonel of artillery served with conspicuous bravery, In Korea and Viet Nam to free peoples from the yoke of slavery! The young warrior himself served with distinction in each Gulf War, As an expert 'copter pilot in the United States Marine Corps! Recounting the sacrifices their fathers made to keep this nation free, He instilled in his son the worth of service, while dandling him on his knee! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)