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I am an American Soldier---,http://www.army.mil/SoldiersCreed/flash_version/index.html

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..."I am a soldier, I fight where I am told, and I win where I fight!" -

--General George S. Patton Jr. West Point Class of 1909--


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The most frequent misinterpretation about war is, some think it’s glamorous, magnificent and wonderfully sexy! The real truth is that is, -it’s ugly, damn scary and very deadly!"

As American Soldiers’, our culture of accountability, -integrity and responsibility reflect what we do as a nation; - a military power and a culture. As a civilian, I have always felt that. But as a Soldier, I think it separates’ us between what sovereign nations do automatically; its not what a gang of Arab thugs do who are religious zealots while claiming freedoms for their citizens; those freedoms (that) we American’s hold dearly, and have passed and shown the rest of the world to the sacrifice in American blood, for well over two century’s. As such, I believe it’s simple to lead by example, it’s how you govern, and those freedoms you either have or you don’t; you can’t deny one and not lose the other.

As such, we as Soldiers, (Sailors, Marines and Air Force military members) are essentially diplomats in foreign lands, - the world is watching, so we must uphold the values of our country to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, even when our enemy doesn't!

" --That's the difference between a free civilized culture and a dying barbaric nation.
....Our military code of conduct requires it, our nation demands it, and the world audience expects nothing less!"

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With 30-something years under my belt as a part time soldier, I’ve experienced three wars, countless deployments and shared literally personal moments with those I have served with, and sacrificed for my country. "But that is what you do as a Soldier...You sacrifice.....and now, almost 60, I am nearing my “Mandatory Retirement Date”—(MRD-March 2010) and feel funny about hanging up my uniform for good.
So to those other Soldiers in the Army, an old Soldier says goodbye! You have been an old friend – all things do come to an end. As I retire, I think of the other Reservists who's life has put on hold to serve this great country..

“---It's and always will be my proud privilege to serve my country of military service.”


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---- Bill Sutherland-“ Sgtbilly.com”
Sgt. 1st Class/-NCO Media Affairs, USAR (soon to be (R) -Retired)