Why I Serve

“Man hath no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.” –John 15:13 The desire to defend one’s hearth, home and way of life have been a call to service across the generations. Men and women have given up the freedoms of a normal life to this call, while others have done so for different reasons altogether. In our country, many individuals serve our society: police, firefighters, doctors, diplomats, Peace Corps workers, etc. However, the ability to stand and say, “I served my country” is a badge of distinction unique to the military. The decision to volunteer to defend this country through action and deed is an opportunity that few desire or partake of. Those that answer the call often describe their service with profound satisfaction. My reason for serving my country comes from this sense of duty and personal satisfaction that I found as a member of the United States Army.
A man is not born being moral but acquires this sense over time from his environment and education. This same tenet is true for the concept duty to your friends, family, and country. Few truly understand what military service entails when they volunteer. The sense of duty many claim is but a spark of interest. For me at eighteen, to say I understood what military service was would be a lie. I did not understand or envision the commitment or cost required. Nor did I know how I would later perceive my choice. Looking back, I would say my own interest was sparked by my cousin’s service in Desert Storm. I remember being fascinated by his decision to serve and place himself at risk; wondering if I had the same desire and ability. These thoughts led me to volunteer and follow his path of service at the United States Military Academy. It was at this institution that I truly began to understand what level of commitment was required to fulfill that sense of duty, which sparked my interest so long ago.
Through 15 years of service, I learned that a sense of duty expands to