I was that which others did not want to be.

I went where others feared to go, and did what others failed to do

I asked nothing from those who gave nothing and reluctantly
accepted the thought of eternal loneliness...should I fail.

I have seen the face of terror; felt the stinging cold of fear;
and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment's love.

I have cried, pained, and hoped...but most of all,
I have lived times others would say were best forgotten.

At least someday I will be able to say that I was proud
of what I was .... a soldier. 

George L. Skypeck, Vietnam Veteran