When God created a United States Marine, it was into the sixth day of overtime. An angel appeared and said, "You're having a lot of trouble with this one. What's wrong with the standard model?"
    And the Lord replied, "Have you seen the specs on this order? It has to be able to think independently, yet be able to take orders; have the qualities of both a military mind and a compassionate heart; be a leader of junior Marines and learn from seniors; run on black coffee; handle critical ops without a Military Procedure Manual; be able to manage a difficult subordinate, an irate supervisor and a demanding OIC; have the patience of a saint and six pairs of hands, not to mention the strength of three its size." The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands - no way!"
    And the Lord answered, "Don't worry, we'll make other Marines to help. Besides, it's not the hands which are causing the problem. It's the heart. It must swell with pride when other Marines do well, sustain the incredible hardship of combat, beat on soundly when it's too tired to do so, and be strong enough to continue to carry on when he's given all he's had."
    "Lord," said the angel touching the Lord's sleeve gently, "Come to bed!"
    "I can't," said the Lord. "I'm so close to creating something unique. Already I have one who can complete a 26-mile forced march with full pack, handle a 9mm and an M16 with astounding accuracy, conduct land navigation in the dark, and operate field communications."
    The angel circled the model of the Marine very slowly. "It's too serious," she sighed.
    "But tough," said the Lord excitedly, "You cannot imagine what this Marine can do or endure."
    "Can it feel?" asked the angel.
    "Can it feel!" replied the Lord. "It loves the Corps and country like no other!"
    Finally the angel bent over and ran her finger across the Marine's cheek. "There's a leak," she pronounced. "I told you you're trying to put too much into this model."
    "That's not a leak," said the Lord. "That's a tear."
    "What's it for?" asked the angel.
    "It's for joy, sadness, disappointment, frustration, pain, loneliness and pride."
    "You're a genius!" exclaimed the angel.
    The Lord looked at her somberly and replied, "I didn't put it there."