Soon you will leave me but
Only for a year. I hope and
Pray that is true, and you'll
Just spend a boring year in
A shithole FOB and whine.

I say this and laugh, because
I would have made fun of you
For that years ago. I know now
That excitement and action
Are not the answer for all.

I know that we are different
And the jobs we do are as well
You have good soldiers with you
But they are not Tommy, Ro
SFC Mann or SSG Sharpe.

Keep your head down
and your powder dry
IED's are not as much as
I have joked. Take care of
your fellow troopers.

I know that their wive's
Parents and loved ones have
put them in good hands. So
Take care of them and all
Of you come home to us safe.

"Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle;
be our protection"

I know you are all in good hands, take care of each other.