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I am a soldier (poem)

By Rich Raitano

I stand ready to honor that debt
When called upon. I will take arms
Against those who would seek to
Cage liberty and set fire to peace.
My life for these I do pledge.

All that I ask...
Do not deceive me. Do not send
Me to distant places to stand
In harm's way for falsehoods and
Riches earned by the letting
Of my blood.

Do not dishonor my sacrifice
For the gains of your purse.
Let not my life be your reward.
I am a soldier,
One of America 's own.
Father to those to come after me.

-Rich Raitano
Medic 4th Bn 3rd Inf. Rgt. (Old Guard)
RVN 1967-68