I myself have proudly served for 27 years now, between the Army and the Army National Guard. Yeah, it's been a love/hate relationship at times but I have served voluntarily. For two reasons mainly. First, growing up all I ever wanted to be was a soldier. Like my father before me and his brother, who was also a father to me in his own right. Secondly, because I felt it necessary as an American citizen to serve and protect our way of life.
Through the Cold War, Korean DMZ, natural disasters, civil disturbances, homeland defense, border security, and the war in Iraq. I have served with my brothers and sisters who answered the call. But now I await my retirement for medical reasons and pass on the heritage and legacy of service to the next generation.
To all of you, my fellow Citizen Soldiers, Happy Birthday.
"Let us recollect that peace or war will not always be left to our option; that however moderate or unambitious we may be, we cannot count upon the moderation, or hope to extinguish the ambition of others." Alexander Hamilton
