tonight, i was greatly saddened by a conversation with a soldier who is now en route to kuwait.  

after i closed our restaurant, several employees headed to a neighboring bar to drink.  when we arrived, i saw a uniformed army e-6, who i proceeded to thank for his service.  i bought him a drink, and we struck up conversation about his coming deployment.  to my dismay, it became clear that he believes he is going to die in the desert.    to him, and to all the other men and women who will serve in the gulf, i say this:  you are the bravest of the brave, in that...

though you fear, you are going.

though you have much to lose, you are going.

though many are ungrateful, you are going.

though most will never understand, you are going.


so, to sgt steve c. out of fort bliss, and to every soldier who chooses to stand for us, please know that a man who has not knelt since childhood has prayed for you tonight.