Army veteran of 22 years proud to be an Oath Keeper
I am a retired Active Army veteran of 22 years, my time on active duty included but was not limited to being an Armor Crewman, Cavalry Platoon Sergeant, Tank Master gunner / Tank Master Gunner Instructor, and Foreign Military Advisor under the Department of State, I am currently a DOD contractor in Iraq where I head up the M1A1 Iraqi Army Tank Training Program, I have a wonderful wife of 26 years who is also my best friend and 4 outstanding children.
I know that I am biased about the Oath and do not regret being so, but those of us whom were raised early on having to recite the pledge of allegiance and sing the national anthem and America the beautiful before class began in elementary school, and then went on to be taught to stand still, hand over heart and no talking while the national anthem played at sporting events or parades, and then joined the service where “the colors” were met with the utmost of respect and began to really understand what our flag really meant, and then go on to be called into harm’s way and to know when you crossed that LD why you were there, the “Oath” you took was calling to you and you went forth knowing you were fulfilling your call to duty, accepting the fact that you may not see another LD, not knowing for sure how you would react and then having that reassuring calm feeling come over you after having done so knowing you had went beyond the unknown of knowing what to expect, it’s at that time that the words like “god, duty, country, courage and commitment” have their first real meaning.Then it’s the feeling of your blood boiling when nowadays you attend those same sporting events and some people have no respect for that same old flag or our national anthem, or the feeling you have when you see the mobs burning “the colors” that so many fought and died under, or now when the national anthem is played and “the colors are raised” your eyes well up and tears stream down your face but you dare not wipe one away until the anthem is complete,that’s the patriotic spirit that our nation was founded on, that’s the Constitution we defend, fight and die for, that’s the “Oath Keepers” I want to continue to be a part of.
I first heard of Oath Keepers on CNN, researched your site and joined shortly thereafter, it is refreshing to see so many folks with like minded ideals and principals, you are all true American Patriots not unlike Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and George Washington to name a few, all were common men looking to create a better future for their children and children’s children in a land free of tyranny, that same patriotic spirit is still alive and well in common people such as ourselves, although none of us lived under the tyranny of our forefathers many of us have bore witness to what others less fortunate have had to endure, many Americans take our own Liberty for granted, our given rights as citizens under the Constitution must never be taken for granted and must be protected above all else, as Ronald Reagan said “we are that shining beacon on a hill” a beacon which the world tries to emulate but all fall well short of what we have, I can foresee a future whereas our rights could be withered away, we the people must be the great voice in the wilderness in order to uphold our Constitution at all cost, our children and children’s children’s future depend on us, I am proud to be an Oath Keeper.
Please donate and support Oath Keepers mission, every little bit helps!
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:05 pm
That was a beuatiful and touching testimonial. Thanks for your service, Sargent.
December 23rd, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Glad to see that you found us and I am honored and happy to stand with you as an Oath Keeper!
December 23rd, 2009 at 3:21 pm
You make me proud to be an American and equally proud to be a member with you. What great inspiration, you are a real leader I would follow. Thanks for your service.
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Welcome to the Oath Keepers! Your words are what all Patriots need to hear! Brings the chills just reading them. But we have not fought in vain, we will have the Constitution back! So help us God!
Once again welcome and will stand beside you in this quest!
billy1st
December 24th, 2009 at 4:19 am
Thank you sir for your commitment and love of country. I’m proud to have been a young sailor who was part of the Reagan revolution.
When i joined the US NAVY Jimmy Carter was the person occupying the whitehouse…….and then we elected a President in 1980 the Gipper was the 1st candidate I was eligible to vote for.
President Reagan made a visit to USS CONSTELLATION CV-64 we put on a big show for him he loved the demonstration of power , honestly it was the best airshow I’ve ever been in attendance.
Yes sir as the grandchild of WWII veterans I was raised to be respectful and proud of my country, and like you it boils my blood to see the deterioration of respect for our Flag our people and We need another like the Gipper yes sir thankfully there’s you and I and the untold numbers of people like us who shed those tears of love for our nation,
I drive a truck and travel basically between Dallas Texas and Jackson, Mississippi and the area in between I see our flag several times a day and ‘am heartened in these troubled times to see her wave freely in the wind.
‘am also heartened to know in these perilous times i’m not alone.
Long live the Republic !
December 24th, 2009 at 5:22 am
it warms the heart to see such patriotism that still stands out there, it will be an honor to stand with you in the times we face right now, I to grew up as you did, as well I drive a truck all over the nation and when I see family’s having to live in a rest area because they have no other place to live, it really saddens my heart, god bless the USA
December 24th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
ROGER THAT!
December 25th, 2009 at 6:04 am
That was a wonderful testimonial to read on a Christmas morning! This old Marine (1967-1971) salutes you! Merry Christmas Brother!
Bernie
December 27th, 2009 at 2:33 am
Glad to stand with you, Brother! Thanks for supporting the Constitutional Rights of your fellow Americans. Your efforts are appreciated, and you are not alone!
Ray
December 28th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Share39 Watada Discharged
Saturday 26 September 2009
by: Gregg K. Kakesako | The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Lt. Ehren Watada was the first commissioned military officer to refuse deployment to Iraq because he believed it was an illegal war. (Photo: PD-USGov-Military)
The Army grants the officer’s resignation under “other than honorable conditions.”
First Lt. Ehren Watada, the first commissioned military officer to refuse deployment to Iraq because he believed it was an illegal war, has won his three-year legal battle with the Army.
With little fanfare the Army at Fort Lewis, Wash., accepted the resignation of the 1996 Kalani High School graduate, and he will be discharged the first week in October.
Rather than seek a second court-martial against the artillery officer, the Army will grant Watada a discharge under “other than honorable conditions