Duty, Honor, Country

Earlier this month, the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic at United States Military Academy at West Point invited me back to take part in their Inspiration to Serve Cemetery Tour for the Class of 2025. At this event, 3rd class cadets reflect on the stories of recent West Point graduates who were killed in action. It’s a way to gain a depth of perspective as they prepare to make the same commitment to serve.

I wanted this year’s cadets to know about my friend and classmate (2001), Andy Houghton, who died in service in Iraq in the summer of 2004. Andy and I served with the 1-4 Cavalry in Schweinfurt, Germany.

Andy had this smile that when you were tired, cold, and frustrated, it would make you feel better the moment he walked into the room. That’s the way he impacted everybody he was around. I think it was a reflection of his spirit, and it’s something everybody I’ve spoken to, whether it’s family or friends, or people who knew him from other places would remember—Andy’s smile.

When I bring my sons to the cemetery at West Point with me, Andy’s headstone is a very special spot for us. I bring my sons here because Andy didn’t get to be a father, and I want my sons to know about him, what he gave up, and how important it is to me that I had the opportunity to be a father, to pass something of myself, and of Andy’s memory, on.

To the next generation:

Commit to Duty, Honor, and Country. Serve with a big smile and a proud heart, like Andy’s. You have chosen to live a life and support a cause that is greater than yourself. Thank you for your devotion to keeping the United States and its citizens safe.

Remember that not all wounds are visible. The struggles we have with our experiences come in waves, and some days are better than others. It can be hard to talk about. As part of my own mental health journey, I have benefited from having open discussions with service members about our challenges. It has helped to create a shared understanding that we are not alone, and we do have a support system behind us.

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To my community:

I encourage all of us to think about what we are doing to provide an environment where others feel comfortable sharing what’s on their minds. One of the best ways to create a safe space is to talk about your own mental health so others feel at ease doing the same with you.

As we close out Military Appreciation Month, I’d like to thank those who have raised their hands to serve our nation. I may no longer be in active military service, but my colleagues and I have devoted our careers to developing the products and providing the services that protect those who protect us.

During the coming Memorial Day holiday, take a moment to remember those who have fallen and their families. Their service and sacrifice safeguard our freedoms, and those they leave behind need our support and deserve our appreciation.?