Differences

"Everybody's different. Thank the Lord!" (Camp Howze, Texas, 1943)

Words of Top Sergeant Ardell "Sandy" Coulter, the greatest sergeant—in training or in combat—that a soldier could have. This newly enlisted infantryman was a victim of disdain and disrespect from some simply because he didn't smoke, drink, use foul language, take the name of the Lord in vain or carouse around. No way would Sandy allow such feelings—generative of detrimental attitudes and below par morale—to prevail. The very notion that such oversight could be necessary in this Land of the Free and Home of the Brave deeply hurt, but what appreciation, what heart-felt gratitude for the intercession of such a sturdy, strong, solid unwavering, never caving in link in the chain of command!

America, we love thee! A choice, divinely blessed land where citizens may differ, be different and as a consequence initiate and bring into existence estimable attitude- and behavior-changing differences.