WHO PAYS THE BUTCHER'S BILL

The purpose of this book is not to denigrate nor condescend toward any military service member unselfishly dedicating themselves to an ideal. I have always had the highest respect and regard for any man or woman who stepped up and volunteered for service in our country's military services. Rather, it speaks to a subject too long hidden or overlooked regarding an aspect of military combat experience that needs much more attention than ever before in the history of armed conflict...a subject that should be part of any decision-making process 'up front and prior to' military service commitment; intentionally ignored until not-Johnny comes marching home from war. One facet of armed conflict remains unchanged; carnage and all aspects of its consequences. There's a great deal of debate over the benefits of a military career, but precious little of the 'other side of the coin' is ever mentioned prior to military commitment. Taking the life of another human being is the cruelest, most despicably disgusting act that one person can implement against another. Doing so to survive in time of war may be understandable, but the event is burned into the synapses of one's brain forever; set on permanent replay to arise unbidden at the most inopportune times. I can assure the Reader that gruesome conflicts where I've played a part; the horrific events I've participated in or witnessed did not act to make me feel particularly heroic. You will have an opportunity to judge for yourself if you carefully absorb what I have labored long to share with you within these pages.