Off Topic: Twas the night before Christmas
 

Twas the night before Christmas
He lived all alone
In a one bedroom house made of
Plaster and Stone
I had come down the Chimney
With presents to give.
And to see just who
In this home did live.
I looked all about
A strange sight I did see.
No tinsel, No presents,
Not even a tree.
No stocking by the mantle,
Just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures
Of far distant lands.
With medals and badges,
Awards of all kinds,
A sober thought
Came through my mind.
For this house was different,
It was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier,
Once I could see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping,
Silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor
In this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle,
The room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured
A United States Soldier.
Was this the hero
Of whom I'd just read?
Curled up on a Poncho,
The floor for a bed?
I realized the families
That I saw this night,
Owed their lives to these soldiers
Who were willing to fight.
Soon round the world,
The children would play,
And grownup would celebrate
A bright Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom
Each month of the year,
Because of the soldiers,
Like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder
How many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve
In a land far from home.
The very thought
Brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees
And started to Cry.
The soldier awakened
And I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry,
This life is my choice."
The solider rolled over
And drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it,
I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours,
So silent and still
And we both shivered
>From the cold nights chill.
I didn't want to leave
On that cold, dark, night,
This guardian of Honor
So willing to fight.
The solider rolled over,
With a voice soft and pure,
Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
One look at my watch,
And I knew he was right.
"Merry Christmas my friend,
And to all a good night."

Re: Off Topic: Twas the night before Christmas
 

One thing I never understand about the US - you constantly praise your
military (with justification) and yet you pay them appallingly.
A British raw recruit gets USD 23770 (US E1 gets 15272) and a Sergeant (8
years) gets 52267 (US E8 with 8 years gets USD 39504).
That really sucks.

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...enlbasepay.htm
http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/RegularAr...Leave/Soldier/

Dave Milne, Scotland


"L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
news:4590CC0B.6D96A629@cox.net...
> Twas the night before Christmas
> He lived all alone
> In a one bedroom house made of
> Plaster and Stone
> I had come down the Chimney
> With presents to give.
> And to see just who
> In this home did live.
> I looked all about
> A strange sight I did see.
> No tinsel, No presents,
> Not even a tree.
> No stocking by the mantle,
> Just boots filled with sand.
> On the wall hung pictures
> Of far distant lands.
> With medals and badges,
> Awards of all kinds,
> A sober thought
> Came through my mind.
> For this house was different,
> It was dark and dreary,
> I found the home of a soldier,
> Once I could see clearly.
> The soldier lay sleeping,
> Silent, alone,
> Curled up on the floor
> In this one bedroom home.
> The face was so gentle,
> The room in such disorder,
> Not how I pictured
> A United States Soldier.
> Was this the hero
> Of whom I'd just read?
> Curled up on a Poncho,
> The floor for a bed?
> I realized the families
> That I saw this night,
> Owed their lives to these soldiers
> Who were willing to fight.
> Soon round the world,
> The children would play,
> And grownup would celebrate
> A bright Christmas Day.
> They all enjoyed freedom
> Each month of the year,
> Because of the soldiers,
> Like the one lying here.
> I couldn't help wonder
> How many lay alone,
> On a cold Christmas Eve
> In a land far from home.
> The very thought
> Brought a tear to my eye,
> I dropped to my knees
> And started to Cry.
> The soldier awakened
> And I heard a rough voice,
> "Santa don't cry,
> This life is my choice."
> The solider rolled over
> And drifted to sleep,
> I couldn't control it,
> I continued to weep.
> I kept watch for hours,
> So silent and still
> And we both shivered
> >From the cold nights chill.
> I didn't want to leave
> On that cold, dark, night,
> This guardian of Honor
> So willing to fight.
> The solider rolled over,
> With a voice soft and pure,
> Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
> It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
> One look at my watch,
> And I knew he was right.
> "Merry Christmas my friend,
> And to all a good night."

Re: Off Topic: Twas the night before Christmas
 

One thing I never understand about the US - you constantly praise your
military (with justification) and yet you pay them appallingly.
A British raw recruit gets USD 23770 (US E1 gets 15272) and a Sergeant (8
years) gets 52267 (US E8 with 8 years gets USD 39504).
That really sucks.

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...enlbasepay.htm
http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/RegularAr...Leave/Soldier/

Dave Milne, Scotland


"L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
news:4590CC0B.6D96A629@cox.net...
> Twas the night before Christmas
> He lived all alone
> In a one bedroom house made of
> Plaster and Stone
> I had come down the Chimney
> With presents to give.
> And to see just who
> In this home did live.
> I looked all about
> A strange sight I did see.
> No tinsel, No presents,
> Not even a tree.
> No stocking by the mantle,
> Just boots filled with sand.
> On the wall hung pictures
> Of far distant lands.
> With medals and badges,
> Awards of all kinds,
> A sober thought
> Came through my mind.
> For this house was different,
> It was dark and dreary,
> I found the home of a soldier,
> Once I could see clearly.
> The soldier lay sleeping,
> Silent, alone,
> Curled up on the floor
> In this one bedroom home.
> The face was so gentle,
> The room in such disorder,
> Not how I pictured
> A United States Soldier.
> Was this the hero
> Of whom I'd just read?
> Curled up on a Poncho,
> The floor for a bed?
> I realized the families
> That I saw this night,
> Owed their lives to these soldiers
> Who were willing to fight.
> Soon round the world,
> The children would play,
> And grownup would celebrate
> A bright Christmas Day.
> They all enjoyed freedom
> Each month of the year,
> Because of the soldiers,
> Like the one lying here.
> I couldn't help wonder
> How many lay alone,
> On a cold Christmas Eve
> In a land far from home.
> The very thought
> Brought a tear to my eye,
> I dropped to my knees
> And started to Cry.
> The soldier awakened
> And I heard a rough voice,
> "Santa don't cry,
> This life is my choice."
> The solider rolled over
> And drifted to sleep,
> I couldn't control it,
> I continued to weep.
> I kept watch for hours,
> So silent and still
> And we both shivered
> >From the cold nights chill.
> I didn't want to leave
> On that cold, dark, night,
> This guardian of Honor
> So willing to fight.
> The solider rolled over,
> With a voice soft and pure,
> Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
> It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
> One look at my watch,
> And I knew he was right.
> "Merry Christmas my friend,
> And to all a good night."

Re: Off Topic: Twas the night before Christmas
 

One thing I never understand about the US - you constantly praise your
military (with justification) and yet you pay them appallingly.
A British raw recruit gets USD 23770 (US E1 gets 15272) and a Sergeant (8
years) gets 52267 (US E8 with 8 years gets USD 39504).
That really sucks.

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...enlbasepay.htm
http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/RegularAr...Leave/Soldier/

Dave Milne, Scotland


"L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
news:4590CC0B.6D96A629@cox.net...
> Twas the night before Christmas
> He lived all alone
> In a one bedroom house made of
> Plaster and Stone
> I had come down the Chimney
> With presents to give.
> And to see just who
> In this home did live.
> I looked all about
> A strange sight I did see.
> No tinsel, No presents,
> Not even a tree.
> No stocking by the mantle,
> Just boots filled with sand.
> On the wall hung pictures
> Of far distant lands.
> With medals and badges,
> Awards of all kinds,
> A sober thought
> Came through my mind.
> For this house was different,
> It was dark and dreary,
> I found the home of a soldier,
> Once I could see clearly.
> The soldier lay sleeping,
> Silent, alone,
> Curled up on the floor
> In this one bedroom home.
> The face was so gentle,
> The room in such disorder,
> Not how I pictured
> A United States Soldier.
> Was this the hero
> Of whom I'd just read?
> Curled up on a Poncho,
> The floor for a bed?
> I realized the families
> That I saw this night,
> Owed their lives to these soldiers
> Who were willing to fight.
> Soon round the world,
> The children would play,
> And grownup would celebrate
> A bright Christmas Day.
> They all enjoyed freedom
> Each month of the year,
> Because of the soldiers,
> Like the one lying here.
> I couldn't help wonder
> How many lay alone,
> On a cold Christmas Eve
> In a land far from home.
> The very thought
> Brought a tear to my eye,
> I dropped to my knees
> And started to Cry.
> The soldier awakened
> And I heard a rough voice,
> "Santa don't cry,
> This life is my choice."
> The solider rolled over
> And drifted to sleep,
> I couldn't control it,
> I continued to weep.
> I kept watch for hours,
> So silent and still
> And we both shivered
> >From the cold nights chill.
> I didn't want to leave
> On that cold, dark, night,
> This guardian of Honor
> So willing to fight.
> The solider rolled over,
> With a voice soft and pure,
> Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
> It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
> One look at my watch,
> And I knew he was right.
> "Merry Christmas my friend,
> And to all a good night."

Re: Off Topic: Twas the night before Christmas
 

I was always under the impression that American enlisted had a pretty
good deal, free room and board and etc. However, I played club
lacrosse in Norfolk with a bunch of Navy guys, couple enlisted guys and
a couple Academy guys and they told me that the enlisted guys actually
get room and board taken out of their paychecks. So not only do they
make jackshit, but they then get more money taken out.
The officers, most a few years out of the Academy, were all making
pretty good money - in addition to the money they made while at
Annapolis.

My father is a civil servant - mechanical engineer for the DOD/Navy.
He's been there for 30 or so years and makes nothing near what he'd be
worth in the private sector.

Dave Milne wrote:
> One thing I never understand about the US - you constantly praise your
> military (with justification) and yet you pay them appallingly.
> A British raw recruit gets USD 23770 (US E1 gets 15272) and a Sergeant (8
> years) gets 52267 (US E8 with 8 years gets USD 39504).
> That really sucks.
>
> http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...enlbasepay.htm
> http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/RegularAr...Leave/Soldier/
>
> Dave Milne, Scotland
>
>
> "L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:4590CC0B.6D96A629@cox.net...
> > Twas the night before Christmas
> > He lived all alone
> > In a one bedroom house made of
> > Plaster and Stone
> > I had come down the Chimney
> > With presents to give.
> > And to see just who
> > In this home did live.
> > I looked all about
> > A strange sight I did see.
> > No tinsel, No presents,
> > Not even a tree.
> > No stocking by the mantle,
> > Just boots filled with sand.
> > On the wall hung pictures
> > Of far distant lands.
> > With medals and badges,
> > Awards of all kinds,
> > A sober thought
> > Came through my mind.
> > For this house was different,
> > It was dark and dreary,
> > I found the home of a soldier,
> > Once I could see clearly.
> > The soldier lay sleeping,
> > Silent, alone,
> > Curled up on the floor
> > In this one bedroom home.
> > The face was so gentle,
> > The room in such disorder,
> > Not how I pictured
> > A United States Soldier.
> > Was this the hero
> > Of whom I'd just read?
> > Curled up on a Poncho,
> > The floor for a bed?
> > I realized the families
> > That I saw this night,
> > Owed their lives to these soldiers
> > Who were willing to fight.
> > Soon round the world,
> > The children would play,
> > And grownup would celebrate
> > A bright Christmas Day.
> > They all enjoyed freedom
> > Each month of the year,
> > Because of the soldiers,
> > Like the one lying here.
> > I couldn't help wonder
> > How many lay alone,
> > On a cold Christmas Eve
> > In a land far from home.
> > The very thought
> > Brought a tear to my eye,
> > I dropped to my knees
> > And started to Cry.
> > The soldier awakened
> > And I heard a rough voice,
> > "Santa don't cry,
> > This life is my choice."
> > The solider rolled over
> > And drifted to sleep,
> > I couldn't control it,
> > I continued to weep.
> > I kept watch for hours,
> > So silent and still
> > And we both shivered
> > >From the cold nights chill.
> > I didn't want to leave
> > On that cold, dark, night,
> > This guardian of Honor
> > So willing to fight.
> > The solider rolled over,
> > With a voice soft and pure,
> > Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
> > It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
> > One look at my watch,
> > And I knew he was right.
> > "Merry Christmas my friend,
> > And to all a good night."

Re: Off Topic: Twas the night before Christmas
 

I was always under the impression that American enlisted had a pretty
good deal, free room and board and etc. However, I played club
lacrosse in Norfolk with a bunch of Navy guys, couple enlisted guys and
a couple Academy guys and they told me that the enlisted guys actually
get room and board taken out of their paychecks. So not only do they
make jackshit, but they then get more money taken out.
The officers, most a few years out of the Academy, were all making
pretty good money - in addition to the money they made while at
Annapolis.

My father is a civil servant - mechanical engineer for the DOD/Navy.
He's been there for 30 or so years and makes nothing near what he'd be
worth in the private sector.

Dave Milne wrote:
> One thing I never understand about the US - you constantly praise your
> military (with justification) and yet you pay them appallingly.
> A British raw recruit gets USD 23770 (US E1 gets 15272) and a Sergeant (8
> years) gets 52267 (US E8 with 8 years gets USD 39504).
> That really sucks.
>
> http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...enlbasepay.htm
> http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/RegularAr...Leave/Soldier/
>
> Dave Milne, Scotland
>
>
> "L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:4590CC0B.6D96A629@cox.net...
> > Twas the night before Christmas
> > He lived all alone
> > In a one bedroom house made of
> > Plaster and Stone
> > I had come down the Chimney
> > With presents to give.
> > And to see just who
> > In this home did live.
> > I looked all about
> > A strange sight I did see.
> > No tinsel, No presents,
> > Not even a tree.
> > No stocking by the mantle,
> > Just boots filled with sand.
> > On the wall hung pictures
> > Of far distant lands.
> > With medals and badges,
> > Awards of all kinds,
> > A sober thought
> > Came through my mind.
> > For this house was different,
> > It was dark and dreary,
> > I found the home of a soldier,
> > Once I could see clearly.
> > The soldier lay sleeping,
> > Silent, alone,
> > Curled up on the floor
> > In this one bedroom home.
> > The face was so gentle,
> > The room in such disorder,
> > Not how I pictured
> > A United States Soldier.
> > Was this the hero
> > Of whom I'd just read?
> > Curled up on a Poncho,
> > The floor for a bed?
> > I realized the families
> > That I saw this night,
> > Owed their lives to these soldiers
> > Who were willing to fight.
> > Soon round the world,
> > The children would play,
> > And grownup would celebrate
> > A bright Christmas Day.
> > They all enjoyed freedom
> > Each month of the year,
> > Because of the soldiers,
> > Like the one lying here.
> > I couldn't help wonder
> > How many lay alone,
> > On a cold Christmas Eve
> > In a land far from home.
> > The very thought
> > Brought a tear to my eye,
> > I dropped to my knees
> > And started to Cry.
> > The soldier awakened
> > And I heard a rough voice,
> > "Santa don't cry,
> > This life is my choice."
> > The solider rolled over
> > And drifted to sleep,
> > I couldn't control it,
> > I continued to weep.
> > I kept watch for hours,
> > So silent and still
> > And we both shivered
> > >From the cold nights chill.
> > I didn't want to leave
> > On that cold, dark, night,
> > This guardian of Honor
> > So willing to fight.
> > The solider rolled over,
> > With a voice soft and pure,
> > Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
> > It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
> > One look at my watch,
> > And I knew he was right.
> > "Merry Christmas my friend,
> > And to all a good night."

Re: Off Topic: Twas the night before Christmas
 

I was always under the impression that American enlisted had a pretty
good deal, free room and board and etc. However, I played club
lacrosse in Norfolk with a bunch of Navy guys, couple enlisted guys and
a couple Academy guys and they told me that the enlisted guys actually
get room and board taken out of their paychecks. So not only do they
make jackshit, but they then get more money taken out.
The officers, most a few years out of the Academy, were all making
pretty good money - in addition to the money they made while at
Annapolis.

My father is a civil servant - mechanical engineer for the DOD/Navy.
He's been there for 30 or so years and makes nothing near what he'd be
worth in the private sector.

Dave Milne wrote:
> One thing I never understand about the US - you constantly praise your
> military (with justification) and yet you pay them appallingly.
> A British raw recruit gets USD 23770 (US E1 gets 15272) and a Sergeant (8
> years) gets 52267 (US E8 with 8 years gets USD 39504).
> That really sucks.
>
> http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...enlbasepay.htm
> http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/RegularAr...Leave/Soldier/
>
> Dave Milne, Scotland
>
>
> "L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:4590CC0B.6D96A629@cox.net...
> > Twas the night before Christmas
> > He lived all alone
> > In a one bedroom house made of
> > Plaster and Stone
> > I had come down the Chimney
> > With presents to give.
> > And to see just who
> > In this home did live.
> > I looked all about
> > A strange sight I did see.
> > No tinsel, No presents,
> > Not even a tree.
> > No stocking by the mantle,
> > Just boots filled with sand.
> > On the wall hung pictures
> > Of far distant lands.
> > With medals and badges,
> > Awards of all kinds,
> > A sober thought
> > Came through my mind.
> > For this house was different,
> > It was dark and dreary,
> > I found the home of a soldier,
> > Once I could see clearly.
> > The soldier lay sleeping,
> > Silent, alone,
> > Curled up on the floor
> > In this one bedroom home.
> > The face was so gentle,
> > The room in such disorder,
> > Not how I pictured
> > A United States Soldier.
> > Was this the hero
> > Of whom I'd just read?
> > Curled up on a Poncho,
> > The floor for a bed?
> > I realized the families
> > That I saw this night,
> > Owed their lives to these soldiers
> > Who were willing to fight.
> > Soon round the world,
> > The children would play,
> > And grownup would celebrate
> > A bright Christmas Day.
> > They all enjoyed freedom
> > Each month of the year,
> > Because of the soldiers,
> > Like the one lying here.
> > I couldn't help wonder
> > How many lay alone,
> > On a cold Christmas Eve
> > In a land far from home.
> > The very thought
> > Brought a tear to my eye,
> > I dropped to my knees
> > And started to Cry.
> > The soldier awakened
> > And I heard a rough voice,
> > "Santa don't cry,
> > This life is my choice."
> > The solider rolled over
> > And drifted to sleep,
> > I couldn't control it,
> > I continued to weep.
> > I kept watch for hours,
> > So silent and still
> > And we both shivered
> > >From the cold nights chill.
> > I didn't want to leave
> > On that cold, dark, night,
> > This guardian of Honor
> > So willing to fight.
> > The solider rolled over,
> > With a voice soft and pure,
> > Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
> > It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
> > One look at my watch,
> > And I knew he was right.
> > "Merry Christmas my friend,
> > And to all a good night."

Re: Off Topic: Twas the night before Christmas
 

Do you include benefits? Lots of these guys get free medical care and other
bennies for life. Of course, some of them need it. I recently read an
article on MSN Latino about quality and retention of military personnel.
The interviewee really liked Latinos, because they are in it for "La
patria", while the Anglos by and large are in it for more selfish reasons,
such as job training, educational benefits, and getting off drugs. It turns
out that the soldiers with the more selfless motives last longer and are
more "productive" at what they do. (I guess they mean killing, I don't
know.)

What's the ethnic composition of your armed forces, by the way?

Earle

"Dave Milne" <jeep@_removethisbit_milne.info> wrote in message
news:l0Wkh.22393$k74.22059@text.news.blueyonder.co .uk...
> One thing I never understand about the US - you constantly praise your
> military (with justification) and yet you pay them appallingly.
> A British raw recruit gets USD 23770 (US E1 gets 15272) and a Sergeant
(8
> years) gets 52267 (US E8 with 8 years gets USD 39504).
> That really sucks.
>
> http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...enlbasepay.htm
> http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/RegularAr...Leave/Soldier/
>
> Dave Milne, Scotland
>
>
> "L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:4590CC0B.6D96A629@cox.net...
> > Twas the night before Christmas
> > He lived all alone
> > In a one bedroom house made of
> > Plaster and Stone
> > I had come down the Chimney
> > With presents to give.
> > And to see just who
> > In this home did live.
> > I looked all about
> > A strange sight I did see.
> > No tinsel, No presents,
> > Not even a tree.
> > No stocking by the mantle,
> > Just boots filled with sand.
> > On the wall hung pictures
> > Of far distant lands.
> > With medals and badges,
> > Awards of all kinds,
> > A sober thought
> > Came through my mind.
> > For this house was different,
> > It was dark and dreary,
> > I found the home of a soldier,
> > Once I could see clearly.
> > The soldier lay sleeping,
> > Silent, alone,
> > Curled up on the floor
> > In this one bedroom home.
> > The face was so gentle,
> > The room in such disorder,
> > Not how I pictured
> > A United States Soldier.
> > Was this the hero
> > Of whom I'd just read?
> > Curled up on a Poncho,
> > The floor for a bed?
> > I realized the families
> > That I saw this night,
> > Owed their lives to these soldiers
> > Who were willing to fight.
> > Soon round the world,
> > The children would play,
> > And grownup would celebrate
> > A bright Christmas Day.
> > They all enjoyed freedom
> > Each month of the year,
> > Because of the soldiers,
> > Like the one lying here.
> > I couldn't help wonder
> > How many lay alone,
> > On a cold Christmas Eve
> > In a land far from home.
> > The very thought
> > Brought a tear to my eye,
> > I dropped to my knees
> > And started to Cry.
> > The soldier awakened
> > And I heard a rough voice,
> > "Santa don't cry,
> > This life is my choice."
> > The solider rolled over
> > And drifted to sleep,
> > I couldn't control it,
> > I continued to weep.
> > I kept watch for hours,
> > So silent and still
> > And we both shivered
> > >From the cold nights chill.
> > I didn't want to leave
> > On that cold, dark, night,
> > This guardian of Honor
> > So willing to fight.
> > The solider rolled over,
> > With a voice soft and pure,
> > Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
> > It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
> > One look at my watch,
> > And I knew he was right.
> > "Merry Christmas my friend,
> > And to all a good night."
>
>

Re: Off Topic: Twas the night before Christmas
 

Do you include benefits? Lots of these guys get free medical care and other
bennies for life. Of course, some of them need it. I recently read an
article on MSN Latino about quality and retention of military personnel.
The interviewee really liked Latinos, because they are in it for "La
patria", while the Anglos by and large are in it for more selfish reasons,
such as job training, educational benefits, and getting off drugs. It turns
out that the soldiers with the more selfless motives last longer and are
more "productive" at what they do. (I guess they mean killing, I don't
know.)

What's the ethnic composition of your armed forces, by the way?

Earle

"Dave Milne" <jeep@_removethisbit_milne.info> wrote in message
news:l0Wkh.22393$k74.22059@text.news.blueyonder.co .uk...
> One thing I never understand about the US - you constantly praise your
> military (with justification) and yet you pay them appallingly.
> A British raw recruit gets USD 23770 (US E1 gets 15272) and a Sergeant
(8
> years) gets 52267 (US E8 with 8 years gets USD 39504).
> That really sucks.
>
> http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...enlbasepay.htm
> http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/RegularAr...Leave/Soldier/
>
> Dave Milne, Scotland
>
>
> "L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:4590CC0B.6D96A629@cox.net...
> > Twas the night before Christmas
> > He lived all alone
> > In a one bedroom house made of
> > Plaster and Stone
> > I had come down the Chimney
> > With presents to give.
> > And to see just who
> > In this home did live.
> > I looked all about
> > A strange sight I did see.
> > No tinsel, No presents,
> > Not even a tree.
> > No stocking by the mantle,
> > Just boots filled with sand.
> > On the wall hung pictures
> > Of far distant lands.
> > With medals and badges,
> > Awards of all kinds,
> > A sober thought
> > Came through my mind.
> > For this house was different,
> > It was dark and dreary,
> > I found the home of a soldier,
> > Once I could see clearly.
> > The soldier lay sleeping,
> > Silent, alone,
> > Curled up on the floor
> > In this one bedroom home.
> > The face was so gentle,
> > The room in such disorder,
> > Not how I pictured
> > A United States Soldier.
> > Was this the hero
> > Of whom I'd just read?
> > Curled up on a Poncho,
> > The floor for a bed?
> > I realized the families
> > That I saw this night,
> > Owed their lives to these soldiers
> > Who were willing to fight.
> > Soon round the world,
> > The children would play,
> > And grownup would celebrate
> > A bright Christmas Day.
> > They all enjoyed freedom
> > Each month of the year,
> > Because of the soldiers,
> > Like the one lying here.
> > I couldn't help wonder
> > How many lay alone,
> > On a cold Christmas Eve
> > In a land far from home.
> > The very thought
> > Brought a tear to my eye,
> > I dropped to my knees
> > And started to Cry.
> > The soldier awakened
> > And I heard a rough voice,
> > "Santa don't cry,
> > This life is my choice."
> > The solider rolled over
> > And drifted to sleep,
> > I couldn't control it,
> > I continued to weep.
> > I kept watch for hours,
> > So silent and still
> > And we both shivered
> > >From the cold nights chill.
> > I didn't want to leave
> > On that cold, dark, night,
> > This guardian of Honor
> > So willing to fight.
> > The solider rolled over,
> > With a voice soft and pure,
> > Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
> > It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
> > One look at my watch,
> > And I knew he was right.
> > "Merry Christmas my friend,
> > And to all a good night."
>
>

Re: Off Topic: Twas the night before Christmas
 

Do you include benefits? Lots of these guys get free medical care and other
bennies for life. Of course, some of them need it. I recently read an
article on MSN Latino about quality and retention of military personnel.
The interviewee really liked Latinos, because they are in it for "La
patria", while the Anglos by and large are in it for more selfish reasons,
such as job training, educational benefits, and getting off drugs. It turns
out that the soldiers with the more selfless motives last longer and are
more "productive" at what they do. (I guess they mean killing, I don't
know.)

What's the ethnic composition of your armed forces, by the way?

Earle

"Dave Milne" <jeep@_removethisbit_milne.info> wrote in message
news:l0Wkh.22393$k74.22059@text.news.blueyonder.co .uk...
> One thing I never understand about the US - you constantly praise your
> military (with justification) and yet you pay them appallingly.
> A British raw recruit gets USD 23770 (US E1 gets 15272) and a Sergeant
(8
> years) gets 52267 (US E8 with 8 years gets USD 39504).
> That really sucks.
>
> http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...enlbasepay.htm
> http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk/RegularAr...Leave/Soldier/
>
> Dave Milne, Scotland
>
>
> "L.W.(Bill) ------ III" <----------@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:4590CC0B.6D96A629@cox.net...
> > Twas the night before Christmas
> > He lived all alone
> > In a one bedroom house made of
> > Plaster and Stone
> > I had come down the Chimney
> > With presents to give.
> > And to see just who
> > In this home did live.
> > I looked all about
> > A strange sight I did see.
> > No tinsel, No presents,
> > Not even a tree.
> > No stocking by the mantle,
> > Just boots filled with sand.
> > On the wall hung pictures
> > Of far distant lands.
> > With medals and badges,
> > Awards of all kinds,
> > A sober thought
> > Came through my mind.
> > For this house was different,
> > It was dark and dreary,
> > I found the home of a soldier,
> > Once I could see clearly.
> > The soldier lay sleeping,
> > Silent, alone,
> > Curled up on the floor
> > In this one bedroom home.
> > The face was so gentle,
> > The room in such disorder,
> > Not how I pictured
> > A United States Soldier.
> > Was this the hero
> > Of whom I'd just read?
> > Curled up on a Poncho,
> > The floor for a bed?
> > I realized the families
> > That I saw this night,
> > Owed their lives to these soldiers
> > Who were willing to fight.
> > Soon round the world,
> > The children would play,
> > And grownup would celebrate
> > A bright Christmas Day.
> > They all enjoyed freedom
> > Each month of the year,
> > Because of the soldiers,
> > Like the one lying here.
> > I couldn't help wonder
> > How many lay alone,
> > On a cold Christmas Eve
> > In a land far from home.
> > The very thought
> > Brought a tear to my eye,
> > I dropped to my knees
> > And started to Cry.
> > The soldier awakened
> > And I heard a rough voice,
> > "Santa don't cry,
> > This life is my choice."
> > The solider rolled over
> > And drifted to sleep,
> > I couldn't control it,
> > I continued to weep.
> > I kept watch for hours,
> > So silent and still
> > And we both shivered
> > >From the cold nights chill.
> > I didn't want to leave
> > On that cold, dark, night,
> > This guardian of Honor
> > So willing to fight.
> > The solider rolled over,
> > With a voice soft and pure,
> > Whispered, "Carry on Santa,
> > It's Christmas Day, All is secure."
> > One look at my watch,
> > And I knew he was right.
> > "Merry Christmas my friend,
> > And to all a good night."
>
>