It was 2001, and Tom and Rick had a plan.
They’d join the army and go off to fight in Afghanistan,
targeting Al Qaeda and the Taliban.
Training was hard; they hated the “Sarg”,
but in the field of combat they looked forward to playing their part.
They were part of the 2nd Infantry Division.
Urban warfare was their mission.
Exposed on the streets moving house to house; you can’t just slip in.
Taliban fighters with AK47s, and Taliban snipers looking to send you to heaven.
Kunduz was the city they had to move through. There was very little rest,
and often times they were witness to civilian deaths.
Tough to see, because the conflict was ultimately, about keeping peace.
&Afghan Northern Alliance forces need support, as they sweep the streets.
The stream of fighters never seemed to cease.
Some of them possessed RPGs, and all would rather die, before they flee.
During the conflict there were some crazy moments.
Multiple fire-fights, and many shells exploding.
Too busy occupying a nation; Tom and Rick hardly had time for conversation.
Although Rick’s favorite hobby was killing terrorists,
and Tom was someone he could share it with.
Still, they both missed love ones back home; the life of a soldier.
They couldn’t wait to greet and hug them all when the conflict was over.
But only one would make it back, and fulfill the plans they had made.
Tom died rather slowly when he took shrapnel from a grenade.
Back to present day, Rick regrets nothing, but misses his friend.
He didn’t think that was how Tom’s mission would end.
He’s home now, but soldiers patrol Afghanistan with each new hour.
In the end, the price is high for peace through power.
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