Patriot First -- Not a Government Agent
by A Career Military Man

My name is Randy and I'm a military officer who has spent the last 18 years of my life training and preparing for the possible defense of this great nation against all enemies, both foreign and DOMESTIC. I've had the privilege of serving with some of the finest men who sacrifice their time for that very same idealistic possibility. I've been able to serve both in the enlisted ranks as a ground grunt and in the air as a pilot of the most advanced attack helicopter in service today. My career will close as I serve as a pilot.

None of the men I have served with have said they joined to get wealthy. None of them said they joined to go to foreign lands, meet interesting people and kill them. None of them have said they joined so they could spend great amounts of time away from their families. If this is true, then why did they join? The only common thread I can find in these men is their sense of duty to the nation. It isn't based on starry eyed glory for themselves. As a matter of fact, when most of them are cited to receive ribbons and medals for their accomplishments, the most common reply is, "With this medal and fifty cents, I could get a cup of coffee, but I would still need the fifty cents." They aren't doing their time in service for economic security, because retirement in the military has become a scary moment to most. They know they will have to go get a job because "retirement" isn't going to pay the bills. If this is true, then why do they serve?

I can only guess at the reasons for others, but I can say with assurance for myself, I voluntarily joined and continue to serve for very simple reasons. I believe in the founding principles and reasons this country was birthed under. I believe in preparing for and training to defend this country against all enemies both foreign and DOMESTIC. So very few people I have spoken to understand why the word "domestic" is included in the documents we swore, as military members, to uphold. It is in the oath of allegiance when I joined as an enlisted soldier, it is in the oath I took as an officer to accept my commission. I know exactly why that all important word, "domestic" is in these documents.

The founding fathers knew well they were preparing for and training to fight against their own government. That government had stopped having the interests of the people in mind and had run rampant with power and treachery. I know this is a long-winded way to the subject of gun control and freedom of gun ownership, but the point I wish to leave in this message is simple. These very same men I serve with today and the ones in the past eighteen years have had a common thread that binds us together, the heartfelt desire to fight against tyranny. Our government has run rampant with power and treachery.

I can assure you that the men I serve with don't turn a deaf ear to the spoken words of our representatives who would attempt to decay and destroy our rights. I can assure you they don't have a blind eye toward the brash attempts of our civilian leadership to paint a twisted picture of the sources of crime to the general public. I can assure you that the majority of these men are fathers, husbands, members of their local churches, hunters, fishermen, sportsmen who enjoy the fruits of their country who will not stand by while the government tears at the flesh of their nation. I can also tell you, without reservation, that these same men will not stand by while the civilian leadership attempts to turn the military arm of this nation's defense into an armed force of thugs against it's own citizens.

I am part of a highly trained, well educated, historically aware of the truth military that is prepared to uphold their sacred oath, should the land we live in become threatened by it's own rulers. Fortunately, so far, most of the threat has been superficial and verbal. Politicians will always attempt to gain power by means of verbal deception. That is what they do for a living. But when they attempt to unravel the fabric of the document called the Constitution, it is my sworn duty to step forward and be counted as one whom the people entrust with the ability to do something about it.

This 4th of July, please remember why this country is so free and so great. It is not because of government programs and legislation. It is because of the citizens, like you and I, who cherish freedom more than their own comforts. We want it for our current families and future descendants. We are willing to fight for it from every farm, every field, every town and every city. Woe to the government that tests that type of resolve. My heart, mind and soul belong to my Creator first and no man-made institution can ever change that. That is why the oath taken by men and women who serve in the capacity of defenders, end with the words, "So help me, God." As long as the oath is intact and the men and women who take it are morally just, this great nation will weather any storm.

Understand what a domestic enemy is and squash it like a bug that scurries from the light. It comes in the form of your government representative. If you don't tell him how you see things he will run rampant with power and treachery. He needs your vote to stay alive. Your lack of participation in that process assures your own demise.

I want to thank the grassroots movements and organizations such as Gun Owners of America, such as the carrier of these messages, (M.O.M., KABA) for their tireless work in keeping the fabric of the people strong. That fabric is communication. If you don't vote, don't complain. If you don't talk to your neighbors with conviction, they won't listen. You do have the ability to make a difference in the future direction of our country. The government can never take our guns if they don't know where to look.

Keep your powder dry and always check your six o'clock position.

There is a saying I would like to leave you with:

"A man with integrity and a rifle can win the war against any army without the same."

I believe that. God Bless America.