It’s my birthday, they say, and I don’t mind if I do, sit down and enjoy a drink with you.

I’ll tell you a tale of a time at sea, in the jungle, or desert sand.
I might share some things you won’t understand.

You might worry some or question us, you’ll ponder things but won’t discuss, the disturbing behavior that’s on display. This isn’t a one off, it’s everyday.

Why is there an extra beer, are you taking shots for someone not here?
How can the laughter suddenly stop, the smiling faces all melt and drop?

A moment of silence doesn’t last that long when the juke box plays that specific song,
we would listen to right as we rolled out of the wire. Squad amped up and ready to fire.

Hey do you remember that time we almost died, we expended all ammo (or at least we tried).
A frag here, a Javelin there, the CAAT team fighting in their underwear.

Lost NVGs or unsupervised gun, sometimes the 1st Sgt wasn’t much fun.

With so much responsibility that rests on you, how can you screw around like you do?

I can see why you were sitting alone at the bar, I’m guessing later you’ll go cry in your car.
At 19 in combat, we were in charge of more than you are as a CEO at 54.
You see him there with just one eye? He lost it saving his buddy and almost died. 

I feel sorry for you (but not that much), things are deeper and you’ve lost touch. 
You complain about taxes and whine about rights, but it’s all talk and you’re scared to fight.

This country was built by hard working men, sure it wasn’t perfect, there was blood and sin. 
America is still the beacon of hope, and I don’t know why we stopped hanging traitors with rope…

You drunks are rude! I thought Marines were about respect, wait who’s arm is around my neck?!

Rodriguez, leave him be, I think he’s done. He doesn’t like our brand of fun. 

Sir, take your hands off me promptly, this is tantamount to battery. I could have you in jail until next Saturday.

Not sure what Rod just said to you but it’s perfectly clear 
that your attitude has changed, hey thanks for the beer!

It’s the 10th after all and we were born in a bar, sing the Marines hymn, smoke a cigar.
Leather Neck, Devil Dog, or Jarhead, if you don’t like the Corps, leave your opinion unsaid.

What’s that? You almost joined? 
I’ve never heard that before. But I don’t want to fight anymore. 

Shut your mouth and open your ears, I’ll tell you a story if you buy the next beers:
Midnight watch, mortars over the wall, got on the radio, quick made the call.
QRF to the POO, they had PID. But I’m not allowed to tell you what they did. 

Violence of action, breaking the will to fight, there’s a reason they call us to destroy overnight.

I’ve got trouble sleeping, how bout you? Alcohol helps (but I know it’s not true).

I don’t want to take pills, I’ll stick to gym therapy, 
if my woman really cares I know she’ll stick with me. 

So you’re saying she’s there for more than just Tricare?
Bro, that’s great, I hope it’s for real. Lord knows few of us have seen that deal.

Remember at the barracks when Jimmy jumped off second deck?
Even with three mattresses he almost broke his neck. 

Taco rice, poncho parachute, tossing rocks into kevlar,
Sandbags, Pugil sticks, and sharpening Ka-bars.

So raise a glass to 247, they say we guard the streets of heaven. 

Don’t party too hard but at least party some. Party for the ones we didn’t bring home.

-Drew Toothman: 10 Nov 2022

Drew founded Mental Grenade Jan 2020. He is a follower of Jesus Christ, a medically retired Marine, EOD Tech, husband, father, writer, mountain biker, photographer, facilitator, and fly-fisherman. He seeks to bridge the civilian – military divide and bring hope through honest communication about difficult issues.

These Veteran stories of struggle, adventure, and post traumatic growth need to be heard!
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These Veteran stories of struggle, adventure, and post traumatic growth need to be heard!
Join the cause to de-stigmatize mental health issues.
Please SUBSCRIBE, share our website with friends / co-workers, and support us by donation or at the STORE.