Thank you.

In your honor, a couple small bits of rhyme, both written while I was still active duty. One was written for Desert Storm, the other at the closing of my GLCM missile base in Belgium. Both are still applicable, I think, if perhaps a little dated.

Mary

TO OUR TROOPS IN THE GULF — A SALUTE
1991

Storming the desert on wings borne of flame,
riding jet-trails for freedom, not for personal fame.
Supported by many, but followed by few,
we’ve a word for our soldiers: Our hearts are with you!

Yellow ribbons adorning our trees and our cars,

Many windows displaying flags and blue stars
give a strong indication of pride in our troops,
so don’t be dismayed by a few hostile groups.

Know that you’re loved, and missed by us all,
that we appreciate your quickness to answer the call
of your country, despite your passion for peace,
and we’ll welcome you home, when hostilities cease.

Your families are waiting to be held in your arms,
and your bravery helps keep all our children from harm.
We send you our love, and our prayers, and this poem,
as a way to say “THANK YOU”, and please — “HURRY HOME.”

Mission Accomplished
1988

The klaxon of freedom rings down through the ages
The players may change, and also the stages
but never the plot — today it’s the same,
of those who serve Liberty, without seeking fame.

Four years, and more, of the mud and the rain,
of doing our best — not for personal gain —
not for wealth, nor rewards,
that our people could keep,
but so children all over the world safely sleep.

Four years, and more, of standing our ground,
of doing our best, and not lounging around.
Weeks spent in the woods, regardless of weather,
with “A Flight” — all groups from base working together.

Four years, and more, and our goal is achieved.
The treaty is signed; Excalibur sheathed.
But don’t fear increased danger with your guardian gone,
the memories of GLCM will long carry on.

Because all who were here gave all of their best,
the world will remember Uncle Sam’s GLCM test.
They’ll say that the missiles accomplished it all,
but even missiles need people to answer their call.

“The mission comes first”;
we know that it’s true.But no mission could work without people like you.
Long days make long weeks, but we got the job done.
Our mission’s accomplished — war’s over — we won!

Comiso, Florennes, Greenham Common, and all,
you’ve proven our point ’cause you answered our call.
You did it all — in all conditions, to boot —
Our hat’s off to you, in a GLCM salute.

Dedicated to all the men and women everywhere who made up the GLCM TEAM.