[Joe 6-pack]

I did 10 years. I was on the list for major, but the army was pushing me towards my functional area, and at the time I was facing the potential of Al Gore as Commander in Chief.

I had always considered myself conservative, but generally apolitical. It was impossible to remain that way during the clinton years. I discovered Free Republic on an Army computer :)

[Night Hides Not]

My conservatism grew during the Carter Administration. My soldiers and their families were hurt during the budget showdowns in 77 & 78. Carter's pell mell rush to put women in Hawk and Nike Hercules batteries was a big mistake IMO, if only because the facilities were not upgraded in advance.

Reagan was my governor when I was growing up in California. Although I disagreed with him on a few things, I trusted him.

In the weeks leading up to the election in 80, my German neighbors pleaded with me to vote for Carter, because they were sure that Reagan would start WWIII. I dined at the local gasthaus 2-3 times a week, and would engage them in political debates.

My stance was simple: the world is a safer place when America is strong, and Reagan was the right man for the job. By that time, my German was near fluent, so I spoke entirely in German to my neighbors.

The day after Reagan entered the White House, I was invited to sit at the stammtische, a table reserved for family and close friends. It's an honor I cherish to this day.