The very beginning

"I thought I would start off by giving some background and thoughts on what this deployment means.

I know a lot of people, including myself to be honest, that thought the military was filled with kids that had no other option. The military was something as a last resort, something that ran in your family, or was a way to turn killing fantasies into reality. None of which I was very impressed with. However, from the age of 15, when I first heard JFK's inaugural address, there was something inside me that was always pulling me towards joining. "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Those words have had a deep impact on my life. I don't know if it was the way I was raised, but I've always had a deep love of community. The feeling of being apart of something, helping each other out. This idea formed my political beliefs as well as my love of country. It is possible to be both a liberal and love this country. Don't listen to Sean Hannity, he's a dope. Now don't get me wrong, nationalism stinks. Chants of "USA! USA!" will always make my gag reflex act up. But I still think that this country, more than most, is filled with kind, extremely generous people. I will never say "this country is #1", I think that is just stupid. That is just as egotistical as believing your religion is the correct one. Each of which depend solely on where and when you were born. In the broadest of terms though, this country is as free as it gets."
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