Born and raised an American, proud of his country, unselfish and courageous, he volunteers to serve, even though he could have chosen another path in his life.

He trains with his brothers as a team, close bonds are made, and he is called for his assignment. That is a serviceman.

Later, his country calls on him to journey to a foreign land, a dangerous place, where military action will be required. He goes there, following orders like a good solider.

His countrymen are divided on these battles he will face, this war he must fight, but he serves his country with honor, duty and pride, as he realizes that his country, and all of his countrymen back home, come first and foremost.

He never forgets about home, his family, his country. He cannot wait to leave this place and return home to the United States of America.

He sees blood, sweat and tears everyday he is in this foreign land. He witnesses death and has caused death, by fighting and defending his fellow servicemen on his team.

His brushes with death are many, but he is one of the lucky ones. He marches on, and he survives. Soon that day comes when his service to his country comes to an end, when the guns fall silent and the war ends.

Finally, he returns home, home to the nation that he left behind not so long ago. He returns to the land of the free, his hometown, back to America.

The locals make him a hero, and to all of us he is. To him he is just another good American doing his duty for his country.

For sure he is proud, but deep in his heart he is happy to be home, glad it is all over, but it is an experience he will never forget as long as he lives. He served his country with honor and returned home a bigger and better person then when he left it, and he loves his country more then he ever did before.

That is the American serviceman.

Kirk Polizzi

Wilmington