Jasper Journal

To all veterans and their families. Enjoy the viideo clip and turn up your speakers!

 

As we conclude Veterans day 2009, I wanted to share with you a message from my friend Bill,  a retired Special Forces senior NCO. He sent out a copy of the Special Forces creed that they live by. Very moving words. Do take the time to read it. In these turbulent and uncertain times, it is fitting that we have such men and women to do the things we cannot or will not do for our protection and survival. To Bill and all the SF folks out there,  as well as all the special operations units in all services,  thank you from a grateful citizenry. 

 

The Special Forces Creed

I am an American Special Forces soldier.  A professional!

I will do all that my nation requires of me.

I am a volunteer, knowing well the hazards of my profession.

I serve with the memory of those who have gone before me:

Roger’s Rangers, Francis Marion, Mosby’s Rangers,

the first Special Service Forces and Ranger Battalions

of World War II, the Airborne Ranger Companies of Korea.

I pledge to uphold the honor and integrity

of all I am – in all I do.

I am a professional soldier.

I will teach and fight wherever my nation requires.

I will strive always, to excel in every art and artifice of war.

I know that I will be called upon to perform tasks

in isolation, far from familiar faces and voices,

with the help and guidance of my God.

I will keep my mind and body clean, alert and strong,

for this is my debt to those who depend upon me.

I will not fail those with whom I serve.

I will not bring shame upon myself or the forces.

I will maintain myself, my arms, and my equipment

in an immaculate state as befits a Special Forces soldier.

I will never surrender though I be the last.

If I am taken, I pray that I may have the strength

to spit upon my enemy.

My goal is to succeed in any mission

- and live to succeed again.

I am a member of my nation’s chosen soldiery.

God grant that I may not be found wanting,

that I will not fail this sacred trust.

“De Oppresso Liber”

It’s a dreary day here in Colorado, but not as dreary as it is at Ft Hood Texas.  There, a totally unnecessary political corectness battle rages surrounding the massacre of men and women on post last week.  These people were killed in a terrorist attack by an individual who premeditated the crime and announced his reason when beginning the attack.  So I ask, what is the problem here?

Well according to the president, the justice department, the chief of staff of the army and most of the dinosaur media, we cant rush to judgement on this.  This could just be the act of one crazed individual who was suffering from post or pre traumatic stress disorder.  We cannot link this to terrorism, radical Islamists, hate for America, or a potential fifth collum in this country.  The fear of telling the truth is out of control!

How much longer will we avoid the fact that there are people in this country who do not like what America stands for and will pervert their religion to support their hatred?  We cannot make the problem go away by pretending it isnt there or assuming they are all crazy.  How many more incidents will it take before we take this issue seriously? We have had attacks  by islamic radicals  on the US military in Arkansas, New Jersey, Texas,  Kuwait and probably other incidents I am not even aware of.  Unfortunately we have “the healer in chief ” in charge, and far be it from him to level responsibility for anything bad to any entity other than the United States. 

On this dreary veterans day while I salute my fellow veterans and their families, I pray that we face up to the challenge ahead, however painful that might be. We are not universally loved: there are  people out there who don’t mind killing us. We did not ask for 9/11 but it was brought to our shores by an evil perversion. Let us commit ourselves to peace and harmony for all our citizens both here and abroad, with no special categories for those who might do us harm. We owe it to our veterans and those currently serving to protect and defend this country against all enemies, foreign and domestic.   God bless America  and happy veterans day!