He is
He is the boy who has chosen his path. No matter what his background, he has made a not so common choice that not everyman can make. He has chosen to do something not everyman can.
He stands at attention with boys his age from every walk of life, to work towards a common goal. They came alone, but now, they continue along with a band of brothers. He will put the man next to him before himself, and hope they do the same for him. He will see things at a young age that most people won’t see in their entire lives.
He will work harder, run farther, and cry more than any athlete. He will eat little, lose sleep every night - if he sleeps at all - run everyday, and may not change his clothes for a week or more. He won’t brush his teeth today, but he will make sure his rifle is cleaned and ready to go. He treats his rifle better than himself.
He knows what it is like to fear for his life, and make others fear for theirs. He will split his food, water, and ammunition with you whenever you need it. He will sleep under a tank tonight because that is the only cover he can find. His alarm clock will be screaming cries of fellow friends or officers, or the sound of bullets flying overhead. He will watch as friends fall, and will not think twice before running into the fury of bullets to save them.
He can administer first aid for his fallen comrade, and if necessary, for himself. He has held a dying friend in his arms, unable to do anything, and felt the tremendous anger and desire for revenge but was unable to do anything about it.
He will spend his nights alone, going without the touch of a woman for months at a time. He either has a girlfriend back home who has left him, or has promised to be there when he gets back. He will try to write, but will find it hard, because he can’t explain his life to her. She just wouldn’t understand. He has promised to come home and marry her, but knows there is a chance he won’t.
He will look at the flag, and remember why he is fighting. Saluting the colors, a chill will run down his spine because he knows that he is fighting for the strongest nation on the earth. He will give his life for the flag and everything it represents. He will look you in the eye and grasp your hand firmly.
He will give you his best and even his life for your freedom. He lives and fights to defend that freedom. He is the American fighting man.