My eyes were sweating ...

This morning at 0 dark 30, I was privledged to be a part of the escort of the Arizona National Guard to the airport to send these young men off to Iraq and Afghanistan.

One thing I witnessed is their pride and the pride in my heart of being an American combat veteran just swelled to meet them. I also saw one young soldier and his dad exchanging words. Not angry words mind you. But the elder giving advice to his son. The dad was wearing a VietNam vet hat and told his son, "Trust your buddies. They will help you come home to me safe. Watch for them also. It's all you have besides your training. I am proud of you son. I love you." "I love you too dad. And I will." "See you next year son." And they turned and walked away.

A dad sending his son off to a foreign land knowing he'll be in harms way. It may have been almost 40 degrees out, but my eyes began to sweat. I don't know why this happens.

I am proud to be an American today because of the young men and women we have all over the world serving our great nation.

To all who are serving: Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers everyday. And thank you for standing on the wall.

Semper Fi!!

Mike Infanzon
United States Marine Corps - 1984-1991
1st Bn, 4th Mar; 3rd Light Armored Recon Bn; 1st Bn, 7th Marines
Task Force Ripper, Desert Shield/Storm