Comrades Forever I Will Give my Undying Support

Recently, I read a Triond article by V Frost titled ‘Women in the Military’ and I felt compelled to write a few lines expressing my gratitude and to share in her glory as a woman that has also served.

I have fought my share of battles within the Army.  I continue to be unwavering in my supportive stance against those that choose not to support our troops.  I served four years in the United States Army from 1986 to 1990.  My husband was deployed to Germany while I was pregnant with our daughter.  I survived being separated from my husband for over a year because there were no job openings in my particular field in Germany.  We had phone bills that mounted up to $1,000.00 every month.  It was the worst time of my life.  I was alone, feeling very depressed, but without complaint, I humbly served.  I swore to protect and serve.

I survived endless sexual advances.  I survived countless prejudicial attacks not only for being African American, but for being a woman, “trying to be a man.”  I survived being taken advantage of because I was very young.  A young, African American in the Army was an open invitation for battery.  Yet, I survived.

I gave birth to my daughter, alone in a military hospital, at 20 years old.  I was frightened out of my wits, but I survived; and when my supervisor told me I was finally going to Germany, I survived writing out my will and making arrangements for my daughter to be flown back to the U.S. for my mother to care for in the event I was called to war.  I survived.  It made me a better woman; it challenged my character and taught me to be a strong independent woman.

I braved the cold winters in Germany and the many alerts we had to endure just before the Gulf war.  Waking up at 3:00 a.m. and carting my baby to a German babysitter to care for her, sometimes days at a time.  I did it and I survived.  I proudly served my country in the times when they needed me and in times when they didn’t.  I returned home to unsupportive friends and glaring judgmental eyes.  I served my country and I stand behind my comrades in whatever they are called to do.

No, I do not agree with the current Iraqi occupation, but I stand behind my comrades.  If I had it to do over again, I would do it the same exact way!  Much appreciation V Frost; your courage and bravery has not gone unnoticed, Godspeed.

For those that don’t want to stand behind our brave men and women you are more than welcome to stand in front of them on the front lines.

Poems by Lena Brown:

A Soldier’s Heart

Soldier’s Sorrow