No one ever asked me to rescind the oath I made in 1970
I, John Harwood, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.
This oath I gave upon enlistment in the United States Navy in 1970. During my training in boot-camp I was told that I was not required to follow “unlawful” orders. Most people don’t realize this part of the oath and I’m afraid many active duty soldier, sailor, airmen and Marines are not aware of this acceptance. Please make sure everyone understand this very important part of their oath and orders.
I served honorably for nine years and was discharged HONORABLY in 1979.
I earned two Good Conduct awards (four years each consecutively).
I served as a Master At Arms for over six months while stationed on the USS Puget Sound at the end of my service.
I mustered out at the Naval Air Station in Dallas TX November 1979.
No one ever asked me to rescind the oath I made in 1970. So as far as I’m concerned I’m still bound by that oath.
So help me GOD.
John W Harwood
Please donate and support Oath Keepers mission, every little bit helps!
February 26th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Thank you for your service John!
February 26th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
Hi Oathkeepers –
I just came across your website and am intrigued by what you are doing and the honor I perceive as contained in your commitments.
What I don’t understand, and wish I did, is why President Obama’s desire to provide a medicare type health care option so more Americans can get coverage meets with so much resistance and is referred to as fascist? Many people with fledgling small businesses will be helped by this, and if it can be done without eliminating private options and by cutting waste rather than raising taxes, which is what I understand Obama is trying to create, why does this raise the ire of so many? I really would like to understand this, because to me this is an area where government could actually be helpful.
Also, you claim to be a non-partisan group. What a breath of fresh air! Do you hold to the same standards regarding religious freedom? Because not everyone identifies as Christian. I know many Christians believe that there can be no other valid expression of God, but this mindset can lead to religious fascism as you strive to eliminate political fascism.
If I knew that you upheld religious freedoms as well as the constitution, I could wholeheartedly support you.
February 26th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
gov health care is a plan that requires everyone to pay premiums into an insurance that they do may not recieve benefits from.
My problem with government health care, like flouride (toxic waste) is that many of us do not believe the government has an appropriate handle on what is best for our health. Codex Alimentaris for example, is where our government says nutrients are dangerous for consumption and need to be monitored. Pleeeaaassseee, if I want to eat vegetables, or take calcium suppliments let me do it. Many of us would rather take care of our own health thankyou. And we, as citizens who do not want Obama care should not be forced to pay premiums. The question should be…how can we reduce the cost of health care through prevention (removing flouride and other toxic waste from out water would be a good start.)….Not..How can we make everyone pay for it and get more people on drugs?
February 27th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
God Bless you Sir!! My father spent 23 years as a sub sailor and I spent 20 in the Air force. Like you no one ever asked me to recind my oath and as far as I’m concerned I still follow my oath. I am going to join Oath Keepers. Thank you for your service to this great country of ours.
February 27th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
My oath was to the US Constitution and I agree that I never rescinded it. The Constitution is clear, Article 6 is the Supremacy Clause, the Constitution is Supreme. State laws may not ever supersede the Constitution, therefore your 5th order never to follow is Unconstitutional. States have final say on the Constitution and Amendments.
600,000 Americans gave their lives in that dispute. It settled the state/national debate: National won. If you believe that the Constitution is not being followed work to make changes through the amending process.
February 28th, 2010 at 12:50 am
Welcome John Harwood, glad to have you aboard. Enlisted in the Navy in Jan 71, boot at worm island, San Diego,stationed in Norfolk. I always enjoy another squid joining Oath Keepers…I have noticed that the best and the brightest tend to be Navy.