The Vegas Voice 3-21

By: Chuck Dean / Vet 2 Vet
There is an oath every enlisted person takes
to serve in the United States Military. It was
the Oath of Enlistment.
“I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) 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.”
Nowhere is there a stipulation that this oath expires. It’s an oath - a
solemn promise of future action and behavior.
In 2021, between trials of trying to stay safe and control a pandemic,
and doing the right things for our country, we must remain steadfast. It
is important for us to live out who we are in this day and age, and there
is another vow that I recommend. It’s called the Veteran’s Creed.
I am a United States military veteran. I mastered the weapons,
tools and techniques of war and security and I make no apology
for the proficiency...
Foremost among
first responders, I
earned the ribbons
of a volunteer,
endeavor, defender,
Veteran’s Creed
No dog or cat
for our Vet
columnist, but
he does have a
turtle – Lucky.
warrior, rescuer,
problem-solver,
and model citizen.
I am the visible
conscience of a
nation with regard
to the costs of war
and freedom’s true
price.
I do not fail to
support another vet who crosses my path with any need, large or
small; he or she may have wounds or hardships that few others
would understand.
I am part of the eternal flame of memory, of my brother and
sister veterans who died in service to our country. Honor, courage,
and commitment define me to this day…
In all of the remaining moments of my life, I will be steadfast
guardian of American ideals, freedoms, and history.
I am a one-percenter of the noblest order. I am an American
veteran.
March on and be safe.
Chuck Dean served as an Army paratrooper in Vietnam and
through that experience was led to address the many transitional
issues veterans struggle with. He is the author of several important
books for veterans. All can be found on Amazon at: http://www.
amazon.com/author/chuckdeanbooks
21