Today, Americans should recognize those who died in service, as well as all the current and former members of the military.
We are thankful we have a country where there are people who want to serve by volunteering for the military. We are also grateful that the ideals the country was founded upon are worthy of their service.
It is notable that although the war and the Bush administration’s actions are highly unpopular, American citizens have done the right thing, honoring military members while opposing the war. Voters made that clear by electing to the presidency Barack Obama, who pledged to pull American troops out of Iraq.
As an active duty member of the U.S. Navy, today I thought I would share what an Obama Administration means to me.
I have served over eighteen years and am now just under 600 days shy of retirement. I joined the military under George H.W. Bush; served throughout the William Jefferson Clinton years; survived the George W. Bush years; and am now prepared to enter into the Barack H. Obama presidency.
Immediately after enlisting, I was shipped out (literally) to serve during the Desert Sheild/Desert Storm operations. From there I became involved in the Bosnia/Hercegovina conflict and a few years later, Kosovo. Peaceful times were short lived as September 11, 2001 emerged followed by the Iraq War. I played a small role (really small in the grand scheme of things) through all these conflicts, knowing it was my duty to obey the orders of my Commander in Chief. Sure, I had personal opinions about each of these times but as an active duty member, personal opinions are kept to oneself.
Yet today, I feel something changing. I hear the words of Michelle Obama echoing through my thoughts. "For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country because it feels like hope is finally making a comeback." Granted, her words were spoken due to a different subject but they couldn't have fit my feeling more distinctly.
Like the future First Lady, I have always been proud of my country, but now I am really proud of my country. For many reasons. Sure, there are still some disappointments and there is still work to be done but we as a nation have taken a great first step.
So what does this have to do with me?
For all those young Sailors who have followed me into service, I feel hope that they will not be thrown into conflict for reasons other than protecting our great country.
I know our next President will actually care about the men and women who wear the uniform. I never quite got that feeling from our current President and his administration.
Lastly, and on a purely selfish note, when I retire, I will have a Certificate of Appreciation for Service in the Armed Forces of the United States signed by President Barack Obama. How cool is that?!?