The Average Age Of Military Man Is 19 Years Old

[honeymorn]

Good post Mike - God Bless and be with all troops of all nationalities.

Your thread has reminded me very much of this Aussie song, and I thought it appropriate to add

This song was written in the 70's, by a bloke called John Schuman and performed by him in a band called "Redgum". It became a national hit espcecially among Veterans almost immediately. It is still performed today whenever Vietnam Vets get together for a concert. Royalties from sales were donated to the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia.
Just a few things that may help you understand the lyrics better.
Puckapunyal was a recruit training center and Cunungra is a Jungle Warfare training center. Shoalwater was a place that the Army used for Military excercises. The SLR was the personal weapon mostly used in Vietnam. Vung Tau & Nui Dat were Aussie bases in Vietnam. V.B. is Victorian Bitter a very popular Aussie beer. Anzac is the acronym for the Australian & New Zealand Army Corps

I WAS ONLY NINETEEN

Mum and Dad and Denny saw the passing out parade at Puckapunyal
(1t was long march from cadets).
The sixth battalion was the next to tour and It was me who drew the card.
We did Canungra and Shoalwater before we left.

And Townsville lined the footpath as we marched down to the quay.
This clipping from the paper shows us young and strong and clean.
And there's me in my slouch hat with my SLR and greens.
God help me, I was only nineteen.

From Vung Tau riding Chinooks to the dust at Nui Dat,
I'd been in and out of choppers now for months.
But we made our tents a home. V.B. and pinups on the lockers,
And an Asian orange sunset through the scrub.

And can you tell me, doctor, why I still can't get to sleep?
And night time's just a jungle dark and a barking M.16?
And what's this rash that comes and goes, can you tell me what it means?
God help me, I was only nineteen.
A four week operation, when each step can mean your last one
On two legs: it was a war within yourself.
But you wouldn't let your mates down 'til they had you dusted off,
So you closed your eyes and thought about something else.

Then someone yelled out "Contact"', and the bloke behind me swore.
We hooked in there for hours, then a God almighty roar.
Frankie kicked a mine the day that mankind kicked the moon.
God help me, he was going home in June.
1 can still see Frankie, drinking tinnies in the Grand Hotel
On a thirty-six hour rec. leave in Vung Tau.And I can still hear Frankie, lying screaming in the jungle.
'Till the morphine came and killed the bloody row

And the Anzac legends didn't mention mud and blood and tears.
And stories that my father told me never seemed quite real
I caught some pieces In my back that I didn't even feel.
God help me, I was only nineteen.

And can you tell me, doctor, why I still can't get to sleep?
And why the Channel Seven chopper chills me to my feet?
And what's this rash that comes and goes, can you tell me what it means?
God help me, I was only nineteen.

[honeymorn]

I also received this from a friend in an email, and thought it was fantastic and again appropriate to this thread. Cheers and blessings all.

Be a little patient it takes a while to load. After you get to the site, be sure to click on "360 PANORAMA" at the bottom of the pic.(located directly under Washington monument). The camera completely circles the Memorial. You can also stop the panorama and click the red squares to enlarge any portion

http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/fil...S&SECTION=HOME

[handymanmike92683]

YOUR VERY WELCOME CRASH ! AND IF YA ALL NEED ANYMORE JUST LET ME KNOW ! THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR KIND REPLIES . GOD BLESS , MIKE

Originally Posted by crash

Thanx BabyGirl for the thoughts. Appreciate them and all the prayers.....and the pics mike, thank you all.

[pipewelder]

Amen Bother from all who have been in there shoes. And those yonung men and women who are now in harms way we pray that we can reach a speedy end to this war and that we can bring them all safe and sould. You are all heros in my eyes and heart. God Bless Each and Every One of You. THANK YOU ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. A Vet Nam Vet March 67 to March 68.
Great Post Mike----- THANK YOU

[pipewelder]

Originally Posted by pipewelder

Amen Bother from all who have been in there shoes. And those yonung men and women who are now in harms way we pray that we can reach a speedy end to this war and that we can bring them all safe and sould. You are all heros in my eyes and heart. God Bless Each and Every One of You. THANK YOU ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. A Vet Nam Vet March 67 to March 68.
Great Post Mike----- THANK YOU

[jennell69]

mike and jungleboy and honeymorn great posts truly touching. thank you

[~*~BabyGirl~*~]

[handymanmike92683]

Your very welcome , And thank you, Glad you enjoyed it !

Originally Posted by jennell69

mike and jungleboy and honeymorn great posts truly touching. thank you

[lady_wizard]

That was very lovely and had me in tears. Thanks handyman! My brother-in-law is over there and is 21 and we pray for all the men and women over there every day. God Bless them and watch over them all!!!

[ittybittyred]

Wonderful post! Thanks Mike. Coming from a Marine household, it is great for everyone to realize that the people fighting are everyday people...sons, daughters, fathers, brothers, etc...it is just nice to know that they have been recognized. Thanks again