Military Man
In a time of need, he’s always there
A hardened look, an empty stare
A man of steel, he tries to be
Protecting life, for you and me
Ages' and age’s, have gone by
They always fight, they usually die
They do their job, in the face of fear
Always knowing, death is near
What drives a man, to be this way
Serving his country, every day
Up in the morning, out for a run
It isn’t easy, not always fun
A lot of the time, he’s away from home
His wife and kids, left alone
There’s something now, that makes him sad
Some in the country, treat him bad
The kids in college look down on him
To be a soldier, seems a sin
The places he’s been, the things he’s done
Makes college look, like grade one
School is hard, from the start
But college and war, are worlds apart
He knows someday, he may have to fight
And give his life, to keep things right
Next time you see him, don’t run or hide
Shake his hand, with acceptance and pride
He does his job, the best he can
He has great pride, he’s a military man.
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On Guard
The night is dark
The winds blowing strong
You think you here movement
But you could be wrong
You try to focus
Then begin to stare
Your eyes see the enemy
But he’s really not there
You’re cold and tired
You’ve been fighting all day
Buy you must stay alert
The enemy is not far away
Your eyes growing weary
They begin to close
That’s the hardest time
Every soldier knows
Will relief ever come
You can’t wait to get sleep
You know when it’s your turn
It will be short, but deep
The rain starts to pour
As you stand all alone
You get a cold chill
That goes right to the bone
Your shift is now over
You know it was hard
But you can be proud
You did your turn on guard.
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That's right folks, I did say the Air Defence. We lucky six that were not old enough (18) to be deployed outside of Canada, did not get to work on the Guns. No, not the M109SP, as promised by the Recruiting Officer, not even the Towed 105mm Howitzer. No, we were sent to "U" Battery, the Air Defence Battery of the 3rd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (3 RCHA), who used Hand-held, ground-to-air, Blowpipe Missiles. Do you think that was enough salt in the wound. No, no it wasn't. Because I would then spend the next few weeks training on the 40mm Boffin. A World War II Airfield Air Defence Gun. Which, I might add, had 1942 stamped on the Barrels.
That is pretty much where I finished with my previous post.
After being whisked into the field (Training Area) of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Gagetown, New Brunswick, to join our new Battery, we were introduced to our Battery Sergeant Major (BSM), normally a Master Warrant Officer (MWO) and our Troop Sergeant Major's (TSM's), normally a Sergeant. We were given introductions, a verbal lay of the land, rules and regulations, Fire Orders and then we were assigned to our new positions. I was introduced to my new Detachment Commander, a Bombardier (Artillery Corporal), who welcomed me with an invitation to the Junior Ranks Field Mess (Drinking Tent in the Field). Where, I was politely invited to buy the first round for my Detachment Commander and the 2i/c / Driver. I was the brand new Blowpipe Operator for an Air Defence Detachment, G73E.
That is correct folks. I did say Blowpipe Operator. Not in the Armoured Corps, not with a 155mm M101Self-Prepelled (SP) Howitzer Detachment, not with a 105mm Towed Howitzer Detachment, not even on a 40 mm Boffin, Airfield Air Defence Gun. Which, I had just finished the last two (2) weeks training on. WTF.
We would then spend the next six (6) weeks living and training in the field. Working our way towards the two (2) week Final Exercise of Rendezvous 81 (RV 81). Which, concluded with the largest live fire demonstration conducted, since the Korean War.
Immediately upon return to CFB Shilo, Manitoba, the Regiment was sent on Summer Leave (Holiday).
Yes, that was my welcome to the Canadian Armed Forces, during my first six (6) months of Service.
I will continue my story with my next poem/s.
As noted before, I did not place my name and date of completion with my earlier poems. However, all of the poems from my book are copyright protected.
E.J.R. Hardy.
