Going Forth To Do Great Things

::From the airplane flying Germany to Kuwait::

A few hours ago, I awoke from a nap on a concrete floor in Hamburg, Germany to finish my day-long voyage from Ft. Bliss, Texas to Kuwait. From there, I will fly to Baghdad International Airport and begin another voluntary tour for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

So many people have asked why I have volunteered a second deployment. Some even questioned my sanity. I believe the inquisitors are due an answer. As if there are not already 3,051 reasons for my actions, I do have more personal ones. These are not ordered by importance.

I do this for the 13 stripes, a field of blue, and fifty white stars that are velcroed to my right shoulder.

I do this for the preservation of the U.S. Constitution, democracy, freedom, and self-determination.

I do this for the Iraqi people, so that democracy, freedom, and capitalism will continue to grow and thrive.

I do this for Iraqi women, so that one day they will be blessed with equality.

I do this for the nearly 2300 other voluntarily service-members that have given their life for similar reasons.

I do this for soldiers, Marines, sailors, airmen, and coasties that have and currently serve. It is because of them that our nation is so great.

I do this so that those who do not support what I do have the right to express their feelings.

I do this so that, unlike so many other nations, criminal suspects are righted innocence until proven guilty.

I do this for my wife and future family. Absence truly does make the heart grow fonder. The monetary benefits from this deployment will give us the opportunity to buy a house.

I do this with vengeance and hatred toward those who destroy innocent life and stand in the way of freedom.

I do this with pride in my self, leadership, and mission.

If ever there were such a humble task, this is it. It is an honor to serve with such a wonderful voluntary force.