Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 12/24/2007

Dear Sgt. Shaft:

I just wanted to tell you that Tricare can't tell me where it pays for cancer treatment. I've learned I have colon cancer and have moved to Hudson, Wis., near St. Paul, Minn. Maybe someday Tricare will give information that will help people like me. Thank you for doing what you did for us. Merry Christmas.

Wanda S.,

Wisconsin

Dear Wanda:

I hope that by highlighting your plight, the Department of Defense along with Congress will review the inequities of Tricare and Tricare for Life, for those in situations such as yours.

Shaft Notes

• The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) honored the Marine Corps 2007 staff noncommissioned officers in charge and prior service staff noncommissioned officers in charge recruiters of the year with an awards reception at Marine Corps Base Quantico.

Penny Collins, FRA's director of membership development, praised the dedication to recruiting and retention. "The Marine Corps end strength continues to grow and these fine individuals today are being recognized for contributing to the mission of expanding and maintaining a strong Corps," Miss Collins said. "On behalf of FRA's national president, Larry Boudreaux, we are proud to present to you the association's National President's Award."

Hoorah and semper fi to these gyrene recruiters.

The recipients of this year's awards were:

2007 Recruiter of the Year, staff noncommissioned officers in charge: Gunnery Sgt. Paul A. Espizona, 8th Marine Corps District, Corpus Christi, Texas. Hometown: Castroville, Texas.

2007 Prior Service Recruiter of the Year, staff noncommissioned officer in charge: Gunnery Sgt. Michael R. Stine, 4th Marine Corps District, the District. Hometown: Portland, Ore.

• I wish all my readers a very merry Christmas and special thanks for the poignant words of a fellow Marine for capturing the true meaning of the season. His only request was that people read it.

'Twas the night before Christmas,

he lived all alone,

in a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney with presents to give,

and to see just who in this home did live.

I looked all about,

a strange sight I did see,

no tinsel, no presents,

not even a tree.

No stocking by mantle,

just boots filled with sand;

on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges,

awards of all kinds,

a sober thought came through my mind.

For this house was different,

it was dark and dreary;

I found the home of a soldier,

once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping,

silent, alone,

curled up on the floor

in this one-bedroom home.

The face was so gentle,

the room in such disorder,

not how I pictured a United States soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?

Curled up on a poncho,

the floor for a bed?

I realized the families that I saw this night,

owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world the children would play

and grown-ups would celebrate

a bright Christmas Day.

They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,

because of the soldiers,

like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,

on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.

The very thought brought a tear to my eye,

I dropped to my knees and started to cry

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,

"Santa don't cry,

this life is my choice.

I fight for freedom,

I don't ask for more,

my life is: my God,

my country, my corps."

The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep.

I couldn't control it;

I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours,

so silent and still

and we both shivered

from the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night,

this guardian of honor so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over,

with a voice soft and pure,

whispered, "Carry on, Santa,

it's Christmas Day; all is secure."

One look at my watch,

and I knew he was right.

"Merry Christmas, my friend,

and to all a good night."

Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax to 301-622-3330; call 202-257-5446 or email sgtshaft@bavf.org.

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