I Am an American Soldier

townhall.com ^ | 8/1/2022 | Allen West

[rktman]

There are times when we need to be reminded of where the real greatness of America lies. It is not with politicians, political pundits, and prognosticators, and it is certainly not with those who seek to fundamentally transform the greatest nation the world has ever known. But what has made America this great nation? It is simple—the men and women whom we may never know who will stand guard on freedom's ramparts and say, “sleep well, I am on watch.”

Last week, I had my first ever trip to Ft Jackson, South Carolina. My ROTC advanced training was at Ft. Lewis Washington and specialty training was at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma because I was an artilleryman...don't give me that gender pronoun lecture. It was last week that my son-in-law, JD Durton, graduated from US Army Basic Combat Training. He left here a young man, and he is now an American Soldier, Private First Class. His unit was Delta Company, 3d Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment. His Battalion was commanded by a true American Soldier, LTC Mallincourt, Special Forces Green Beret. It was an honor to meet PFC Durton's Drill Sergeants and thank them for his "fundamental transformation."

[rktman]

Total respect for Lt.Col West and to those that serve. For me, with the current push for DIE(sic), while some see it as necessary others see it as a hinderance to the mission at hand, putting it above the mission. There will always be those that hate no matter what regardless of how many classes they are given. (Hate is obvious from the demokkkommie attitudes.) In good conscience, I could not recommend joining today. My family military history goes back to the revolution so I don't say that lightly. Youngest daughter served, oldest grand kid served... Could be the end of the line for my family now. God speed soldiers, sailors, airman.

[Irenic]

Lt.Col West could have been our candidate for Texas governor. He got my vote.

[bitt]

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[Responsibility2nd]

Whatever happened to Colonel West’s bid for governor of Texas? It seems like a really foolish course of action for him to take. And after he announced, I’ve really heard nothing further. I guess he abandon that idea.

[RatRipper]

I met and shook Col. West’s hand at the FreeRepublic Convention, which coincided with the National Tea Party in DC back in 2009 (may have been 2010). He is a great American.

[1ScrappyArmyMom]

We share the sentiment. Our family has also served the US Army since the Revolution. My son serves currently. As a staff sergeant he is so depressed with what the Army has become. Dishonoring tradition and standards, the newest recruits are not able to function as soldiers like before.

The left destroyed the military.

[Vermont Lt]

America’s greatness does not always come at the end of a gun. Don’t get me wrong, I have the utmost respect for any person who answered the call—on their own or through conscription.

But I think we are way too focused on the military being the ONLY thing that makes us stand out to the world. Millions of immigrants are not flocking to the US because of our military.

Even in this mess of a situation we find ourselves in today, we remain great because our people are great. Our ideas and ideals are great. We are great because we can believe what we want, go where we want, and create what we want.

Certainly, the military has fought to protect those rights—but the military does what the people want (through the powers vested to it through our system.)

Let us not sell the rest of America short. We are, for the most part, a pretty great group of people living together.

[Captainpaintball]

Isn’t this the guy who let that fag beat him in Florida, likely under fraudulent circumstances?

[rktman]

Well, some if us are part of a pretty great group of people. 😂🙌

[imardmd1]

My grandson took basic training at Ft. Jackson a few years ago while in ROTC. His fellow recruits were not aware of his destination to be commissioned, but he earned a rating of first in his company, came out with E-3 Pfc then, a coveted result. Wanted to be a Ranger when commissioned, but I think West Point wanted all those posts. He's been in Quartermaster Corps, Transportation; actually more important to operations than skirmishes. I told him that no one goes into combat without a way to get there and supplies while in it; and no coming back alive without medics.

He was just promoted to Capt, and received his first assignment as company commander. As 2Lt and 1Lt he had about 50 GIs under his care, but now company-grade commander.

I am so grateful for his personal disciplined ability to wisely respond to and exert authority, gaining respect of all.

[rktman]

We wish the young Captain well. And be safe.

[skimbell]

You can't just say "I support the troops" or "I back the blue".
Those agencies, like the rest of the government apparatus, have been infiltrated, compromised and to a great extent, taken over by the communist left.
Where these organizations line up when/if the SHTF could well determine how that episode plays out.
From what I've seen the past couple of years, the military and the police are at best suspect.
I'm going to hold off on the parades and chit for them for a bit.

[Irenic]

Nope, I voted for him in the primary. Police wrongly arrested his wife for DUI and she had the grandchildren with her. Stuck with Abbott again if Beta doesn’t whoop him.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/blood-test-results-show-angela-west-was-not-intoxicated-when-she-was-arrested-in-dallas-officials-say/ar-AANZDAb

[Irenic]

Yes, he is.

[SERE_DOC]

If I may expound on your missive.

In my meanderings through life I had an opportunity to serve a few years in the military.

In coming into contact with those who offer a "thank you for your service", and who may not have served, (with a slight hint of regret, in their tone of voice).

I like to offer a different perspective than they might want to consider.

I say that service comes in many forms, the military is only one, continuing inquiring if they have a family or have a job that allows them to be an effective member to their town and community?

And the kicker is that the military is not for everyone, and I make sure that that is understood.

One can serve our country by just being a good citizen.