“The Final Inspection” Author: Sgt.Joshua Helterbran
The Soldier stood and faced God
Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining
Just as bright as his brass.
“Step forward you Soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?”
The Solider squared his shoulders and said
“No, Lord, I guess I ain’t
Because those of us who carry guns
Can’t always be a saint.”
I’ve had to work on Sundays
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I’ve been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny
That wasn’t mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just to steep,
And I never passed a cry for help
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I’ve wept unmanly tears.
I know I don’t deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fears.
If you’ve a place for me here,
Lord, It needn’t be so grand,
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t, I’ll understand.”
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
“Step forward now, you Soldier,
You’ve borne your burden well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in Hell.”
The poem was written by Sgt. Joshua Helterbran of the 224th Engineer Battalion. After he found it circulating around the internet, he wrote a part II which he did sign
I’m very saddened by America today,
when they take credit for what others say.
I wrote a poem because of problems in my past,
how was I to know that it was going to last.
It has been read by all and loved the same,
but indeed at the end there is no name.
The name is simple for those who know,
it’s not Kilmer, Longfellow, Service, or Poe.
It’s a soldier who has fought for his country so true,
He’s proud of the ole Red, White and Blue.
You now know the poem the one and the same,
The Final Inspection is the name.
I wrote it because of the trials so true,
and of my buddies who died for country and you.
So take this poem, take it as you trod,
because in Heaven I’ll see my God.
He will look at me and say don’t be sad,
others read your poem and you made them glad.
Now step forward my son and look your best,
and come inside with all the rest.
by: Sgt Joshua Helterbran
A Note From Joshua – via his Mother: “I entered military service September 18, 1996 I graduated from Basic Training in Ft. Benning, Ga. I then attended Jump School there, and went on to attend R.I.P (ranger indoctrination program). I was then stationed with Aco 3rd Platoon, Weapons Squad, 3rd Ranger Battalion. I then was stationed with the 1/508th ABCT, 173rd Brigade in Vincenza, Italy. I am currently stationed with HHC 224th Engineer Battalion. We were on deployment in Iraq, when I was injured. I am currently stationed at Ft. Sill, OK where I am receiving medical treatment. Thank you again for all you have done for us troops. God speed and God Bless”