Duty, Honor, Integrity, Commitment and Sacrifice

Proud to serve -- my view of military

Commentary by 1st Lt. Steven James
745th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron

Duty, honor, integrity, commitment and sacrifice. Our deployed units across the world are constantly reminded of these five simple, yet significant words. Recent images of our fight against terrorism have invoked strong emotions in the hearts and minds of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines.

In front of the world, newspapers, magazines and televisions show our struggle to bring peace and stability to the Middle East.

We see and read about ambushes of coalition convoys, roadside bombs, civilian contractors being tortured and killed, and flag draped coffins carrying the remains of our fallen heroes. While family and friends are left with these images, a seemingly heavy blow to our nation’s morale, let there be no question of our will and determination to protect America, its allies and interests.

Our resolve remains steadfast in the face of international terrorism. Those who have paid the ultimate price wouldn’t want it any other way. The commitment to protect our way of life and to stop the spread of terror is as strong now as it was on Sept. 11. Let there be no doubt. Our sacrifices are too great.

The brave men and women of our coalition forces and civilian counterparts are extraordinary people who commit their lives on a daily basis to preserve and protect our greatest asset: freedom.

While the media tends to focus on the “gloom and doom” of the war on terror, we must remain on our course. America is proud of us and of the sacrifices we make to protect our values.

I want you to be proud of yourself as well. You have made the choice to fight for what you believe in and to take a stand when others may not have done the same. We aren’t in our profession for money or prestige, but simply to make a difference in the world and in the lives of oppressed people.

The words duty, honor, integrity, commitment and sacrifice are not just words to us, they are reality. My heart fills with pride knowing that our nation still produces men and women who are asked to lay their lives on the line every day and yet do it without question, for we already know the answer.