A ragged band so young, diverse,
Are drawn to serve one common good,
To fight, protect the weak, oppressed,
And freedom as all should.
None forget their sorted past
Or loved ones held so dear,
As in the Army life they find
A fellowship so near.
In barracks wall to wall they live
With privacy but a memory.
47 men spend 9 weeks time,
Only these few to see.
Anger, confusion, and hateful pride
Are commonplace, though not the norm,
While fraternal love and friendship strong
Begin to grow and form.
Taught to gladly fight and die,
Freedom always to defend,
But even more to take the bullet
And save a brother and a friend.
Through sweat and blood and tears they find
The inner strength to drive, endure
Their training all too long some days,
Though for the cause a challenge pure.
When someone's world comes crashing down
As outside news comes not so sweet,
A rally of support one finds
That none could hope to match or beat.
With love and pride I join the few
Whom for this freedom give their all
To serve each other and the flag,
Answering the nation's call.
