I am a soldier … ! A soldier in the Army of my country ..!! I wear a uniform ..!! It’s olive drab, blue, gray and khaki. My nation’s need for defense is my calling; the President of this great nation is my Commanding Officer. I am a Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Airman. Faith in God and love of America are my codes of conduct. Faith and prayer walk with me every day.

I am a soldier … ! Since 1775, I have been taught by experience, trained by adversity, tested by fire. I am a volunteer. The decision to wear the uniform of my country was my decision. And thereby I am committed. Committed to her defense, committed to her people. Every man is my brother, when I stand against the enemies of my land. Every woman, my sister; every child, my little boy; my little girl. And I will defend them with my life.

I am a soldier … ! I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable. If America needs me, I am there. If she needs me to live in her defense, I am there. If she needs me to die in her defense, I am there ..!!

I am a soldier … ! I’m not a baby! I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed, pumped up, pepped up or picked up. I am a soldier!  When defending  America’s ideals, no one has to remind me, write me, visit me, entice me or lure me! All Americans need do is …. call me …!

I am a soldier … ! I’m not a wimp! I am in my place of duty, saluting my Commander, obeying my orders, protecting my nation, doing my job!  I am a soldier! I don’t need you to send me flowers, gifts, candy or handouts!  I don’t need to be coddled, cradled, cared for or catered to!

I am a soldier … ! I am committed to you, America! I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to make me quit.  Weather can’t stop me! Sickness won’t keep me from my service! Money can’t buy me! People can’t disillusion me! And hell can’t defeat me for I fight for you, America!

I am a soldier …! Generation after generation, I have worn the uniform, wrapped myself in your flag, America, and said to those, who would hurt you, “Not today! Not on my watch! Not while I have strength ..!”

I am a solder! And I will win! I will always triumph, America! 

And I will do it for you!

Adapted from the work, “Here I Stand” By Franklin Hunt, Edited by Chaplain Dan Gates, The Georgia Society Sons Of The American Revolution