BAMA BOY FO SHO

I enjoy weight lifting, chillin(with real niggas) , drinkin(I cut back a lot), spending time with the fam, b ball, espn, just relaxing and living each day to the fullest.The Marine's PrayerAlmighty father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of thy presence and obedient to thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to love so that I can face my fellow marines, my loved ones and thee without shame or fear. Protect my family, give me the will to do the work of a marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my country and the marine corps have entrusted to me. Make me considerate of those commited to my leadership. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which i must uphold.If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith: If I am tempted, make me strong: If I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer.AmenThe Average MarineThe average age of our Marines is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work, and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's--but--he has never collected unemployment either.He's a recent high school graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a 10-year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend who either broke up with him when he left or swears to be waiting when he returns from half-a-world away. He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and the 155mm howitzer. He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling; thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or a grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must. He digs foxholes and latrines, and he can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop or stop until he is told to march. He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry. He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts. If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low. He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life or take it because that is his job. He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime. He has stood atop mountains of dead bodies and has helped to create them. He has wept in public and in private for friends who have fallen in combat, and he is unashamed. He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful. Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Marine who has kept this country free for over 200 years. He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood. And now we even have woman over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to war when our nation calls us to do so.