Why I Joined the Army

I recently joined the U.S. Army and will be leaving for basic combat training in a matter of weeks. My decision to enlist has been met with responses that range from dissatisfaction to confusion to admiration. But among those who do express their opinions, one question pervades, "Why did you do it?"

Some people have asked why I would leave my son without his mother for so long. Others inquire about my motivation for enlisting during a time of war. There are those who wonder at my sanity for giving up a five thousand dollar a month job. Still more ask why I would leave school when I am accomplishing so much. I can answer each of these probing questions by stating my unshakable belief in seven priceless values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and courage.

Loyalty is an allegiance to something. My allegiance to the United States of America is more than just a line I recite when saying the pledge. Rather, it is an honest, deep, binding loyalty to my country and its people. My decision to join the Army is an expression of that love.

Duty is the moral or legal obligation to take action. I understand that every right ordains an accompanying responsibility. We did not become the great nation we are by accident; we earned the distinction, and we must never forget the price of that freedom. It was paid in blood by countless Americans who were willing to answer the call of duty. My decision to join the Army is a fulfillment of that obligation.

Respect is an admiration or high regard for something. My respect for human life, for human dignity and for a person's inalienable rights defies all my attempts to frame it in mere words. My decision to join the Army is a demonstration of that reverence.

Service is the giving of yourself for the benefit of another. Service always requires sacrifice and every soldier, sailor, airman or Marine must sacrifice something --some more than others. President John F. Kennedy reminded us about selflessness when he said, "...ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." There are things in the world even more important than my life. I understand that I am not the whole story; in fact, I play just a small part in it. Though I am leaving my son in the care of someone else, I believe it is a sacrifice worth making. I pray that one day he will understand. My decision to join the Army answers the call to serve.

Honor is a source of merit or distinction. I find it strange to call myself an American soldier. It seems unreal to cast myself in the same light as those men and women I've placed in such high regard. However, self-respect is an important part of becoming an American solider, and it isn't something to be hidden. To the American servicemen and women reading this, particularly those fighting in today's war, never forget that your country loves you. Critics always hold court in coffee shops across the country regardless of the nature of the conflict. These perpetual naysayers blame America for every wrong facing the world. At the end of the day, however, they go home and crawl under the blanket of freedom. It is the cover you have provided for them. I believe the American soldier is a hero. My decision to join the Army reflects my desire to be counted among those heroes.

Integrity is standing by what you believe in despite the consequences. Winston Churchill famously said, "You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life." Having integrity always involves rising up for what you believe is right, regardless of what others may say or even think about you. My decision to join the Army is a resolution to be that person of integrity.

Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty or intimidation. The life of an American soldier is a life of risk, but it is a life worth living. America is not perfect, but there is no better place to live. America has real enemies, and courageous men and women must be prepared to face them without hesitation. My decision to join the Army is my acceptance of the challenge to be brave.

President Ronald Reagan said, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."

I believe this with all my heart. I also believe that each and every one of us plays a specific role in the defense of freedom. For me, that role will now be as a soldier in the United States Army. I have argued for freedom with my words in debate, with my pen in writing and with my ideas on campus; now, I am ready to fight for it with my life.