I have been accused by many of only bashing Mr. Obama and not saying what I like about my candidate. So from time to time you'll get one of these "What I Like" posts. It's just my opinion and what I like about McCain.
I like that he served his country honorably from 1958 - 1981. His father and grandfather also served. His son serves currently. The reason this is relevant and important to me is that I think a commander-in-chief should have a service background in the military (I know not all have...), especially in the times in which we currently live. The military teaches you a great deal about honor and respect for your country and that means something.
My father served in World War II; he flew airplanes and was a flight instructor. He had a soft spot in his heart for those who serve and looked back with great fondness on his days of service. It meant something. I appreciate McCain's service and what he learned from it. I also appreciate what we learn about McCain from his service.
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I was just reading a friend of mine's website and this girl posted about attending a McCain rally in Wisconsin two days ago. Her story and pictures say it all. She said both the Senator and Cindy were beyond humble and seemed genuninely overwhelmed at how much love there was for them in the crowd. She said he stayed after he was done and signed autographs for a long time and after a while, secret service started to usher him away. She was upset he hadn't yet made it to her, she wanted to have her ticket signed for her brother, so she called out to him, "Senator McCain, my brother is in Iraq and he loves you!" She said he sort of broke free from the SS and walked back over to her, signed her ticket, smiled, and thanked her. I love that!
The reason I'm posting that is I do think it's important a president who truly understands the military, not just on procedural terms, but on a personal level.
I love that story!
On January 3, 2003 my Army Reserve Unit was called to Active Duty, and I stayed on Active duty until January 2, 2005. I was stationed at Ft Polk, Louisiana, where I was the Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge (NCOIC) of the Installation's G-2 (Intelligence)Section.
I don't know what it is, and I have told Pat this numerous times, I feel there is something missing, because I didn't go to Iraq or Afghanistan. I look at soldiers who did, and I feel a little envious, becauseI feel like I didn't do enough.
It's hard to explain, and the only solace I can find is that the ARMY wanted my unit at Ft. Polk, and I did what the Army asked me to do.
When I left Ft. Polk my section presented me with a plaque that I truly cherish. On the bottom of the plaque is the Army Intelligence Branch motto, "ALWAYS OUT FRONT". Well sort of.
I would, at times, say the motto like this, "Never in the rear." So, the Deputy
G-2, whom I had the utmost respect for, put on the bottom of the plaque, "Always Out Front - Never In the Rear!"
God Bless you Captain "B". I think of you often. It was a pleasure to serve under your command, and I would proudly do it again. And same goes for Headquarters Company Commander Captain "N" and First Sergeant "M", and a host of others.
I proudly served this country for 26 1/2 years in the Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Army Reserve. Yeah, the extra money from being in the reserve was nice, but it was for more than just the money.
Ask anyone who has served this country honorably, and they will tell you about Duty, Honor, and Country.
And yes GOD.
Those of us who believe in God are not afraid to say it, and I say it boldly, "I love my God, and I love my Lord Jesus Christ." Some of the most dedicated Christians I ever met was through the military. One of my dearest friends in the world, whom I love more than a brother, is a military chaplain.
Now back to my original thought for writing in the blog.
Pat and I were talking last night about veterans and why most of them feel and believe the way they do.
As Pat and I talked, I showed her two cards, even after I retired, that I still carry in my wallet. On the cards are the Army Values, The Soldier's Creed (with the Soldier's Ethos), and the Soldier's Code.
ARMY VALUES:
LOYALTY: Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit, and other soldiers.
DUTY: Fulfill your obligations.
RESPECT: Treat people as they should be treated.
SELFLESS SERVICE: Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own.
HONOR: Live up to all the Army values.
INTEGRITY: Do what's right, legally and morally.
PERSONAL COURAGE: Face fear, danger, or adversity (Physical and Moral).
THE SOLDIER'S CREED
I am an American Soldier.
I am a Warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States and live the Army values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined , physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my Warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment, and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom, and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.
THE SOLDIER'S CODE
1. I am and American soldier - a protector of the greatest nation on earth - sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States.
2. I will treat others with dignity and respect and expect others to do the same.
3. I will honor my Country, the Army, my unit and my fellow soldiers by living the Army values.
4. No matter what situation I am in, I will never do anything for pleasure, profit or personal safety which will disgrace my uniform, my unit, or my Country.
5. Lastly, I am proud of my Country and its flag. I want to look back and say I am proud to have served my Country as a soldier.
Now you know why we veterans are like we are.
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