Veterans Day

I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense. (Article 1, Code of Conduct)

Today is Veterans Day. To me it is a day to celebrate and remember the countless men and women who have served this great nation. Of course this includes both those who have served and those who are serving.

Our nation has been blessed with literally millions of people over our 228 years who have chosen to serve this nation and its people.

From the Revolutionary War to Operation Iraqi Freedom, Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and in our more recent history Airman have laid it all on the line to preserve our freedoms and defend those people who cannot defend themselves.

This nation has been the center of, involved in, or the final solution in numerous world conflicts.

Americans have fought and won wars that reshaped the globe:

The Revolutionary War
The War of 1812
The American Civil War
WW1
WW2
Korea
Vietnam
Granada
Panama
Iraq
Bosnia
Afghanistan
Iraq

While the final result of some of these conflicts is still up in the air and others are hard to call a win, the one thing that is clear is that America's finest fought in these wars/conflicts.

We have also been involved in numerous other actions as well. There is no doubt that The United States has the best-trained, best equipped and most highly motivated military on Earth. It is an essential element in preserving the freedoms that our forefathers fought so hard for.

There are great patriots buried in American cemeteries throughout Europe and there are others still missing in Asia. The one thing that all of these men and women have in common is that they are Veterans. They are a small minority in this country and an elite group of people that chose a life of sacrifice.

I have the greatest respect for anyone who has served or is serving in the U.S. Military. Second only to the pride I have for my children I am most proud to say that I am an Airman.

I come from a family of military patriots. Though it looks like I will be the first to make a career of it most of my family has served in some capacity.

- I have two Great Great (etc.) Grandfathers that fought in the Civil War.

- My Grandfather, PFC (E-2) Robert C. Slagle was an infantryman in the Marine Corps during Korea.

- My Father, Sgt (E-4) Robert D. Slagle was a Security Policeman in the Air Force during Vietnam.

- My Uncle, Sgt (E-4) Carl M. Slagle was a Med Tech and Services Troop in the Air Force in the 80's.

- My Uncle, SSG (E-4 acting E-5) Lambertus J. Meyer was an Transportation Specialist in the Army During Vietnam.

- I am a SSgt (E-5) Combat Arms Instructor within the Security Forces career field. I have made multiple trips to the Middle East and proudly deployed during Iraqi Freedom.

I also have cousins that have served in various branches of the U.S. Military. Needless to say it was in my blood.

I will serve this country and the USAF as long as they both will have me. My goal is to one-day rise to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (E-9).

So, today on this Veterans Day, I stand at attention and salute all veterans, those before me, those I serve along side and those I am proud to have in my family.

Remember, honor and cherish these brave patriots.

I'll leave you with the Code of Conduct of the U.S. military:

ARTICLE I:
I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

ARTICLE II:
I will never surrender of my own free will. If in command, I will never surrender the members of my command while they still have the means to resist.

ARTICLE III:
If I am captured I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and to aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

ARTICLE IV:
If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information nor take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them in every way.

ARTICLE V:
When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country or its allies or harmful to their cause.

ARTICLE VI:
I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free

I will trust in my God and in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

SlagleRock Out!

Note: Since today is Veterans Day please click on my milblogs link and visit the sites of some other great veterans.

Happy Vets Day, Dad, B (Guest Blogging at Mama's), Matt, Bill, Bill, Jerrod, Greyhawk and the list goes on and on.

Posted by SlagleRock at November 11, 2004 05:23 PM