“I was there”

From the steaming, disease infested jungles of

 Panama, to the frozen wastelands of the Ukraine, on every

 battlefield I was there. 

In a cockpit high above, or in the depths of the sea

 far below, I was there.

Rendering comfort, in times of despair, changing

 desperation into inspiration, calming the troubled soul,

 again I was there.

For some, I was in their pockets, for others’ in their

 hearts, no matter the hour, I was there.

I was there in the mess hall, I missed you in the

Chapel, I was there as you stood guard throughout the

 lonely hours of darkness, yes, and I was there.

I was there when you shot your first enemy, I was

 there, as you lay wounded, through sorrow, or grief, I was

 there.

I was there, as you rejected me, I was there, when

 you sought me, I was there.

As you lay in your bunk, tired, worn, and exhausted,

 I was there.

No matter your race, your color, or your creed, I

 was there.

I was there as the Chaplain, the seaman, the

 navigator, be assured I was there.

As you prepared for battle, I was there.

I was there, as the enemy approached, through the

 smoke and haze of battle, I was there.

With your stomach wrenching, tied up in knots, I

 was there.

With fear in your eyes, I was there, as a tear ran

down