[ClutterbusterNY]

Thanks to this Marine for sharing his painful experience. The love and appreciation he has for his comrades and his family are clearly evident throughout. We wish him a speed recovery.

Poem by LCpl. D.R., written November 26, 2006.

There are times in our life when we were struck by tragedy
And you know you would not make it through without your family
Something very similar just happened to me
Fighting in Iraq is what starts my story
Walking through the streets trying to keep people safe
Then a pain then a bang then I landed on my face.
More shots rang as people ran and marines began to fight
Still in a little daze and pain causing a haze I had lost all my might
Langden found a spot and while under heavy fire he ran back out into
Then my mind cleared as I saw him there I knew he came for me
His life for mine he was willing to trade without skipping a beat
I couldn’t let that happen so I climbed onto my feet
He half carried me back to the place where he had found the spot
He gently helped my down as he screamed Corpsman up
I couldn’t help but think my life I would have to pay
Then as if sent by God Marines were there to save the day
The medivac called and people going every which way
I heard it over and over from my buddies you do not get to die today
Then up the streets the humvees roared as they pulled up to my shop
More marines jumped out and began to shout we’re here to pick him up
Upon arriving at the LZ Gonzo came to me he held my hand and said
Don’t worry man soon you’ll be home free
My gunner from Afghanistan a best friend he was to me
He gave me strength while we waited there at the LZ
He helped me to the bird and covered my eyes for me
I’d never get to repay him because 2 days later he died by an IED
Lying in a hospital with things hooked up and beeping
Drifting in and out of consciousness but not really sleeping
Pretty soon I was able to start accepting a phone call
The people on the other end are the ones who are worth it all
The ones I’d take 10 bullets for and never flinch or fall
My family and my friends you know I love you all
They flew me to Bethesda where my family I’d get to see
I’d get to hug and kiss my mom, my dad and of course Rusty
But upon there arrival they got no proper greeting
Just me being a jerk with no proper reason
How painful it must have been to see me lying there
And added pain of me lashing out acting like I didn’t care
With me every painful step on the path to recovery
Though I am weak they are strong and bear my burdens for me
I want my message loud and clear in what I’m trying to say
If it weren’t for my loved ones I would not be here today.