The word “Stop,” being a Universal Language

has continued to save lives

–Today I am a Veteran.



It takes great courage to pull the trigger

And even more courage not to do so.

What would I have gained or done after this tragedy?



All the good work a soldier does for the Unit, the Nation, and the Country

Would have gone all to repairing what would had been lost.

The life of an individual over the credit of toil.



A “detail,” that began by taking men to the “Burn Pits”

Along with my Battle Buddy and my M16

We drove to the “Burn Pits” where many stories are told of

Bad orders, and rotten food,

and even unexploded ammunition—that would do no good.



In middle of no where

I stuck to the Humvee, trying to force my hand out

When inadvertently a Local National attempt to grab my weapon

My hand wouldn’t come free



A signal asking for help to free my hand was finally heard

The Humvee moved forward

My hand was freed



I insisted, and the Local National wouldn’t listen

I exclaimed

Stopppppppppp!

Drew a Line with my left foot

Cocked the Weapon

And it stopped.



That’s the glory of the story

Not Prisoner of War

Today I am a Veteran