When I say... "I am an American Soldier"
I'm not shouting, I'm better than you.
I'm whispering, I was a boy, and now I find myself a man.

When I say... "I am an American Soldier"
I don't speak only of this with pride...I'm also confessing, that I stumble and make mistakes and need competent leadership to help guide me, so I, in turn can be a competent leader.

When I say... "I am an American Soldier"
I'm not trying to be strong...I'm professing that I am weak and need the strength of my peers and country to help me carry on.

When I say... "I am an American Soldier"
I'm not bragging of past successes
I'm admitting I have failed in the past
admitted the mistakes and tried to right the wrongs.

When I say... "I am an American Soldier"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But my country needs me, and I soldier on.

When I say... "I am an American Soldier"
I can still feel the sting of pain, from seeing those that I care about die, while we fight for those that we love
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon the American People to help guide our soldiers home

When I say... "I am an American Soldier"
I'm not better than thou,
I'm just a simple man
Who was called upon by his country to fight


(Inspired by a Carol Wimmer poem)

By: Michael Anthony

Author of: Mass Casualties: A Young Medic's True Story of Death, Deception, and Dishonor in Iraq

www.MassCasualties.com (less info)