Cascade Crew

[Al Hasse]

Thank you to those who served. Also to those who continue to serve.

I found this and thought it appropriate. There are quite a few versions floating around, and through some searching, I found what is apparently the original.

Written by,
Sgt Joshua Helterbran, AUS
veteran of the Iraq War,
formerly of with HHC 224th Engineering Battalion,
Fort Sill, Oklahoma
and now of Birmingham, Iowa.

The Final Inspection

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and
said, "No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry guns
Can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully tough.

But I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep ...
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here,
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod,
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've born your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

[Dewey316]

Thank to all of you.

[Quasi-Traction]

Great thanks to all our Sailors and Soldiers and Airmen.

[Schultzy89GTA]

[GREG DAVIDSON]

thanks to all the veterans out there

[Boostd1]

[RSFreak]

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If its in English, thanks a veteran!

[Al Hasse]

I found a second part to Final Inspection.
Information I found suggests that the author left the first part unsigned. After seeing various versions in circulation, Policeman, Marine, etc., he decided to write this second part, which he did sign.

Part II

I'm very saddened by America today,
when they take credit for what others say.

I wrote a poem because of problems in my past,
how was I to know that it was going to last.

It has been read by all and loved the same,
but indeed at the end there is no name.

The name is simple for those who know,
it's not Kilmer, Longfellow, Service, or Poe.

It's a soldier who has fought for his country so true,
He's proud of the ole Red, White and Blue.

You now know the poem the one and the same,
The Final Inspection is the name.

I wrote it because of the trials so true,
and of my buddies who died for country and you.

So take this poem, take it as you trod,
because in Heaven I'll see my God.

He will look at me and say don't be sad,
others read your poem and you made them glad.

Now step forward my son and look your best,
and come inside with all the rest.

by: Sgt Joshua Helterbran

[izcain]

Thanks to all serving and have served!

[Dewey316]

Another year...another Thank You!

Thanks to all the service men (and women).

[chevymad]

[iansane]

[Al Hasse]

[Quasi-Traction]

[popballz]

Thank you Veterans.

[RSFreak]

We are resorting to recycling year old posts now?!?!?!

Here's one of my favorite quotes, "A veteran is someone who at one time in his/her life wrote a check to this country for an amount up to and including his/her life."

[Dewey316]

[RSFreak]

I didn't say there was anything wrong with that (except for shear laziness), just an observation.