Protecting the Heart and Soul of Our Military

To serve is to commit to something larger than oneself, to carry a duty that goes beyond any single day, uniform, or rank. Our service is rooted in values that have stood the test of time — principles like Honor, Duty, and Respect that are more than just words; they’re the promises we make to each other and to the nation. In this commitment, we become stewards of a legacy that demands integrity and sacrifice, not just in the face of foreign threats but within our own ranks as well. We don’t just defend borders; we defend ideals, we protect the principles that shape our identity as servicemembers and as Americans.

But now, as we witness a shift — a creeping atmosphere of division that threatens to corrode the bonds we’ve forged — we feel the strain on what we stand for. We are being asked to remember that our oath is to the Constitution, not to the currents of fleeting agendas. This is the moment for us to embody the values we swore to uphold, to support one another, and to guard the spirit of inclusion and respect that strengthens our military.

The Weight of This Moment

Today, as I see the landscape shifting around us, a chill runs through me — not because of who sits in certain seats of power, but because of what some might attempt to erase from our ranks. This isn’t a time for silence or despair. It’s a time for courage. I want to speak to those of us who feel the weight of this moment, who know that the ground we stand on could become an inhospitable place. But no matter who claims to hold the reins, this military belongs to us — those who serve with honor, who protect the core values that define our institution.

For over a decade, I've fought to wear this uniform, to serve with integrity and pride. And I’m not alone. Each of us who wears this uniform knows we have made sacrifices to get here. We’ve endured, we’ve persevered, and we’ve stood by one another through challenges seen and unseen. We have earned our place here. And no one — no policy or agenda — will shake the strength of that earned respect.

Anchored by Our Core Values

The Army’s foundational values — Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage — are not simply guidelines; they are the armor that protects our institution from forces of division and prejudice. Each value is a vow, a commitment to our shared purpose, and a safeguard for the principles we uphold. Respect isn’t just something we offer in passing; it is the bedrock of every interaction, the basis upon which we earn trust and inspire unity. It is Respect that has driven the military to evolve, to create a place where anyone willing to serve with honor can find a home and a purpose, regardless of background or identity. These values are more than a list to recite; they are the compass that directs us through the most challenging moments and reminds us of the dignity each servicemember carries.

Our values define us as soldiers and as a nation, drawing a clear line between mere obedience and true commitment to justice. The strength of our military is rooted not in exclusion but in our ability to bring diverse voices together under one flag. Loyalty, Honor, and Integrity require us to stand firm, not only against external threats but against the creeping prejudice that threatens to erode the very foundation we protect. Now, more than ever, we must hold fast to these principles. If we fail to defend them, we risk losing the moral authority that underpins our mission and binds us together. These values are our shield, our bond, and the promise that in this military, every one of us matters.

Staying the Course for Future Generations

As the prospect of new policies looms, many among us might consider leaving. We all know how demoralizing it is to feel that your contributions, your very identity, might be questioned or dismissed. But now, more than ever, we are called to stay — not just for ourselves, but for the generations of servicemembers to come. The younger soldiers looking up to us need our strength and our example. By staying, we defend this institution, preserving the gains we’ve made and securing the future for others who will follow.

When you’ve fought tooth and nail to stay in the fight, when you’ve battled against the odds just to serve, you gain a deeper understanding of what it means to protect our institution and each other. And that’s why I’m not going anywhere. I will not be pushed out by any climate of intolerance or exclusion. I will stand with those around me, supporting them with all the loyalty, respect, and integrity that our military demands. We are not fighting for the catchwords of wokeness or diversity, equity, and inclusion. No, our fight goes deeper. We’re fighting for the Constitutional promise of equal opportunity under the law, for the right of every capable individual to defend our nation.

Protecting the Legacy of Our Service

To those who may feel the weight of hostility growing heavier by the day, I urge you: stand firm. We have fought to be here. We belong here. And as long as we uphold the values that bind us together, no force can truly break us. Let’s continue to support each other, to stand as role models for those just beginning their journey in service, and to ensure that our military remains an institution of honor and respect.

This isn’t just about surviving the next four years; it’s about preserving the very soul of our armed forces. Stand firm, stay resolute, and know that you are not alone. Together, we will protect what matters most: the enduring legacy of our service, the integrity of our mission, and the future of our military.