Lixy, after reading this thread. What I sent to you through IM seemed appropriate to add to this thread.

Soldier By Choice..............
"I was a Soldier By choice. My Choice to stand for something that I believe in and the country I love believes in. I have taken an oath to protect her boarders and her interests regardless if harm may come my way. I will stand beside the people that have taken this oath. I do not seek fame or glory, my only satisfaction is knowing that I have served her flag and her people with honor. I will not faulter from the beliefs that brought us to this place. I will not forget nor will allow others to forget the ones that have fallen before me. I will carry out their names and the honors that have given to me. I am a Soldier, Airman, Sailor, Marine or Coast Guardsman. The Pride I have in the flag and the way of life we have will see me to the end. Peace is what we want and what we pray for. Battle is what we trained for. We choose to be in the service of our country. You have the right to hate us, talk bad about us, and to speak out against the things that you disagree with. You would not have the right though if it were not for me, The Soldier By Choice!"