For the bards of the front lines and the word minstrels on the home front, ON PATROL, the magazine of the USO, is seeking combat poetry that captures a service member’s experience both overseas and stateside for an upcoming article. ON PATROL also may include it in its 300,000-circulation magazine!

There are no length or form restrictions, but the work must be original, the author must hold the copyright, and authors grant the USO and ON PATROL the right to reprint in either a print or online format.

Please send submissions to [email protected] by March 30. Include full name, rank and unit number [if applicable] and contact information. Please use the world “combat poetry” in the subject line.

We look forward to being inspired, and so offer a bit of inspiration to get the creative thoughts flowing.

SILENT PATRIOT Author Unknown

A woman for all seasons A woman for today. She grows to meet the challenges And grows along the way. Her life is not an easy one With many loads to bear. But she proudly serves her husband And the uniform he wears.

Although she didn’t take the oath To preserve democracy She’s there each day on the home front To keep our country free. She’s foreign-born or a country girl, Diversity you will find. But to be an army wife It takes a special kind. She’s one who keeps on going Through adversity and pain. She’s the steady, strong foundation When nothing stays the same.

She’s the one who sheds a tear As Old Glory passes by, But couldn’t give a answer If you were to ask her why. Throughout the years, she marches on Through tears and joy and strife. She’s America’s unsung hero- She’s a military wife.