Posted on 01/05/2016 12:21:07 PM PST by Lera
One year later, as I reflect upon my service to Israel, I am so proud as an American to say that I have stood alongside both the defenders of the United States and the defenders of Israel. As a result of this military service, I have learned a great deal about myself, our two countries, and why we are — as I learned to say in Hebrew — brothers.
The first thing that struck me as I donned the dark green uniform of the Israeli Defense Forces, and for the first time since my own injury while serving in the US Army returned to the life of military service, was just how welcoming every IDF soldier I encountered was. Each soldier would greet me with a smile, a heartfelt thank you for coming to stand along side them, and then a sincere inquisitiveness about why this American on two prosthetic legs was back in uniform, thousands of miles from home.
At that time, all I really knew for myself was that I had decided to come and show my support for Israel because not long before, while in the vicinity of an anti-Israel demonstration in Boston, several protesters turned their aggression toward my pregnant wife and our young boys.
The aggression we experienced was a direct result of those protesters recognizing me as a US Service Member. It became immediately obvious to me just how quickly those who scorn Israel turn their hatred towards the United States. It was that moment when I decided I could no longer stand idly by, and that I had to show my support for Israel with more than words.
(Excerpt) Read more at algemeiner.com ...
Looks interesting, BFL...
Good post. I hope he makes it to Congress.
Great article, I hope he wins. And his comments about Israel being our only true ally are spot on.
Having read “Because They Hate” by Brigitte Gabriel, reading his account really reinforces that. You probably know the story, but she was a Lebanese Christian who had been raised to believe the Israelis were blood-thirsty, sadistic, lying monsters, but when she needed help, the Israelis were the only ones who stepped up the the plate.
That transformative experience really changed her world view.
I couldn’t feel more humble.
Actually, this is very problematic - Potentially Expatriating Acts Section 349 of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1481).
Serving as a commissioned or non-commissioned officer in a foreign military is a potentially disqualifying act. He should be ok if he was not promoted to NCO.
And if he gets there, I hope he remembers the hopes of those who would have put him there, as so few of those elected actually do.
C’mon, man ... Don’t ruin a good thread by presenting facts like that.
What a wonderful experience!! GOD BLESS HIM!!
That and the Logan Act are seldom enforced these days.
To lose citizenship, you have to ask in writing for it to be terminated.
An American can’t simply be rendered stateless.
For the most part, this is all legal. Prior to 1967, Americans risked losing their citizenship if they joined a foreign military or even voted in a foreign election. That year, the Supreme Court decision in Afroyim v. Rusk established that citizenship is a constitutional right and can't be stripped involuntarily. So, yo're free to join up with whatever military that will take you, as long as you don't engage in active hostilities against the U.S.
Kol Hakavod (?) SSGT Mast.
You can actually serve in certain allied countries with permission of the DOD (and vice-versa), although it’s mainly NATA countries.
I had an Englishman in my Unit.
No such thing. Maybe he is EOD who helped out on some missions with SOF. But he ain't no 18C and the phrasing smells of stolen valor.
NATA = NATO. iPhone!
“and the phrasing smells of stolen valor”.
This former soldier had his friggin’ legs blown off. Cut him some slack.
I have never understood veterans who have perfectly honorable and dignified service who need to “embellish” it.
But I see it all the time.
He is EOD
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