A Gun and the Cross

'A Gun and the Cross' is a collection of poems and prose, short stories told in rhyme that I have written over the years. The stories are based on my military experiences, and from other veterans and soldiers I have served with. Soldiers who have served in combat, whether it's a declared war or a conflict these soldiers come back with scars; some of those scars are visible, but there are many scars that are not seen . . . the memories, mental scars that are buried deep inside, wounds that never heal. Most combat veterans have a hard time talking about their experiences; both the good and the bad memories are suppressed. We all have our own way of dealing with the memories and the nightmares as we blend back into society . . . but there are certain sights, sounds and smells that trigger those memories, opening those wounds that we live with daily. I do not know any active duty soldier or veteran that wanted to kill or die, but everyone knows that it's part of the job; at some point in time it might happen. Hollywood paints a pretty picture of the brave and fearless soldiers who fight their way to glory . . . those who have been there know it's a living hell.For all of the fallen soldiers and their families and for the living soldiers just trying to get through another day, hour or even minutes; this is for you. You are not alone, there are people who still care; I care. May God be with you and help you through the sleepless nights and your darkest thoughts. This book was written for you.