His Dream Was To Serve

He was only nineteen, so proud and free.
Wearing the uniform was his dream.
He sang loudly, "Our Country 'Tis of Thee'
With a dazzling smile, and eyes that gleam.

He always vowed he would protect and serve,
And give his all in the infantry.
He trained hard, never once losing his nerve,
And got through it all with chivalry.

With honor, he graduated boot camp.
Held his courageous head high for all.
A boy who became a man is our champ,
A born soldier who answered the call.

He never made it to the battlefield,
At least not on any foreign land,
But instead on a paved road minefield
Is where he answered his last command.

He became a hero, even in death,
And donated so others could live.
Thanks to him, many have another breath,
And through those gifts, he will survive.

September 29, 2003 - December 30, 2022