The Battle and The War

Sgt. Grit I must say I was glad to read Cpl Haines letter in newsletter #132 on the 28th of Sept. I would like to offer this poem I wrote as proof to Cpl Haines that there are many of us that feel the same way. Thank you to all of my sisters and brothers in arms wherever you may be in the world. May god bless you and keep you safe so you may return home in one piece.

The Battle and The War
Cpl. Wendy Cox

Sitting at the table
Sipping morning coffee
Thumbing through the paper
Searching for any mention of the units I?ve been in Ears acutely tuned to CNN in the next room

Still no news today
Three agonizing years since this war began No word of friends No word from my Marines

Daily battling dark thoughts and self doubt Will be my only war Trained to fight My resolve tested only by worry

Did I train them well enough?
?to keep them alive a little longer
?how to clean up after the chemicals rain down How many made it home safe?
Is their blood on my hands?

Cpl. Wendy Jo (Cunningham) Cox
1993-1997
MWSS 171, NBC Platoon
2nd MarDiv, Division NBC Platoon
Semper Fidelis