They were at Bunker Hill, Antietam, The Marne, Bastogne, Normandy, Inchon, the Ia Drang Valley, Baghdad, Fallujah, the Shahikot Valley. They heeded the call, whenever needed, and
unflinchingly performed their duty time and again. For hours, days, weeks, and months on end, they marched through unfamiliar and
unfriendly territories with little food or sleep and the ever-present danger that the next step may be their last. Away from family, friends, and the comforts of home they stood their watch, faced their enemies, and protected the people, the way of life, and the Constitution of this United States. For nearly 250 years, our Veterans have stood in the gap to ensure our Nation
remains strong.
To me, there is no greater calling than to volunteer to serve in the greatest fighting force on
the face of the Earth. Regardless of reason, be it patriotism, benefits, adrenaline, or no other options, the men and women of our Armed Forces raise their hand and take a solemn oath to
support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Whether someone serves 20+ years and retires, or serves four and returns to civilian life, he or she makes a sacrifice to this
Nation of ours. Many young men and women sacrifice their youth, forgoing parties, hang-outs, and friendships to leave for Basic Training and learn the science of warfare. Or they decide the normal college experience is not for them, and instead go off to one of our service academies and
experience the regimented life of a cadet or midshipman while learning the art of leadership. Our Military personnel experience things as young men and women that many cannot comprehend, becoming mentally and emotionally well beyond their years. These days, many will leave home to go off to a remote mountain outpost, spending upwards of a year dodging roadside bombs,
rocket attacks, and sniper fire. Sadly, many may not return, or may come home broken physically, mentally, and emotionally.
the face of the Earth. Regardless of reason, be it patriotism, benefits, adrenaline, or no other options, the men and women of our Armed Forces raise their hand and take a solemn oath to
support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Whether someone serves 20+ years and retires, or serves four and returns to civilian life, he or she makes a sacrifice to this
Nation of ours. Many young men and women sacrifice their youth, forgoing parties, hang-outs, and friendships to leave for Basic Training and learn the science of warfare. Or they decide the normal college experience is not for them, and instead go off to one of our service academies and
experience the regimented life of a cadet or midshipman while learning the art of leadership. Our Military personnel experience things as young men and women that many cannot comprehend, becoming mentally and emotionally well beyond their years. These days, many will leave home to go off to a remote mountain outpost, spending upwards of a year dodging roadside bombs,
rocket attacks, and sniper fire. Sadly, many may not return, or may come home broken physically, mentally, and emotionally.
In a challenging political and economic climate, we must not forget the promise made by our military, “This We’ll Defend.” With this promise is a certain level of reciprocation. This Veteran’s Day regardless of your political affiliation, I encourage you to ensure your representatives
in Washington understand the gravity of their partisan wrangling. Too many programs that support our current, former, and retired military personnel are hanging in the fiscal balance. It’s one thing to say to a Soldier, “Thank you for your service.” Our Nation must also back up the statement.
in Washington understand the gravity of their partisan wrangling. Too many programs that support our current, former, and retired military personnel are hanging in the fiscal balance. It’s one thing to say to a Soldier, “Thank you for your service.” Our Nation must also back up the statement.
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