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Patriots

I. Grab your kevlar, grab your ruck
recruits’ll need both skill and luck
Welcome, Soldier, to the battalion
we’re somewhat weary and newly back,
hardened by death and experience;
but here, put this welcome letter in your pack

from Harry F. Buggins
Lieutenant Colonel
Infantry, Commanding

II. Driver stop, dismount right
fire team stack, learn to fight
A job well done,
young man, today you’re best
and for that, a training medal—
then patience, war brings the rest

said Harry F. Buggins
Lieutenant Colonel
Infantry, Commanding

III. Dirty city, Tigris’ crown
behold Mosul, Jonah’s town
Welcome to Iraq
boredom, danger, and fear
to engage in combat and these combat
The picture can’t be displayed.
we’ll bring peace to this land of tears

wrote Harry F. Buggins
Lieutenant Colonel
Infantry, Commanding

IV. Fearful blast, all too close
the IED almost kills us both
Get off the Stryker, breach
the house and flow;
find the enemy, young
rifle: go

Authenticated. (Harry F. Buggins
Lieutenant Colonel
Infantry, Commanding)

V. The blood is red, it’s from his eyes
up in the hatch my sergeant dies
Mrs. Smith, my Soldier’s sister,
your brother’s mission’s done
I honor him with heavy heart; please find
enclosed his boots, tags, and pictured son

in sorrow, Harry F. Buggins
Lieutenant Colonel
Infantry, Commanding

VI. Evergreen trees, Cascade peaks,
patriots set home their feet
Fifteen months and three cities
end with a color’s passing glory;
but I’d with you, if I could, train and
together go again, on your desert story

formerly, Harry F. Buggins
Lieutenant Colonel
Infantry, Commanding

—Lt. Col. (Ret.) Harry F. Buggins
October 2015