I was just a seventeen year old kid when
I made a decision to join the Army reserves
My stepfather said, "When you leave
Take your last pair of shoes your on your own."
There was no thought of college
At twenty I joined the Air Force
My decision was made because I noted
From Father to Grandfather no one served
I have never regretted one moment serving my country
A little problem with my Grandkids making the same decision.
They don't have 2.0 grade averages
Would not have to stand waiting to be picked
as a casual to unload semitrucks, buses.
So when my Grandson was asked what he would do with his life
Top of his class, an athlete, he answered,
"I am going to apply as an Officer at the military Academy"
My first reaction was that was for kids who had no choice
Ivy league college professional sports safe at home
My second response, I am so proud, that he would want
to serve his country and the man he is becoming
I remember that day tears in my eyes at graduation
I knew the next day I had no idea what the world had for me
I just knew i wanted a better life for them than my own