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Why I Joined

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Submitted By allendb828
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Why I Joined the Army
I recently joined the U.S. Army and will be leaving for basic combat training in a matter of weeks. My decision to enlist has been met with responses that range from dissatisfaction to confusion to admiration. But among those who do express their opinions, one question pervades, "Why did you do it?"

Some people have asked why I would leave my son without his mother for so long. Others inquire about my motivation for enlisting during a time of war. There are those who wonder at my sanity for giving up a five thousand dollar a month job. Still more ask why I would leave school when I am accomplishing so much. I can answer each of these probing questions by stating my unshakable belief in seven priceless values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and courage.

Loyalty is an allegiance to something. My allegiance to the United States of America is more than just a line I recite when saying the pledge. Rather, it is an honest, deep, binding loyalty to my country and its people. My decision to join the Army is an expression of that love.

Duty is the moral or legal obligation to take action. I understand that every right ordains an accompanying responsibility. We did not become the great nation we are by accident; we earned the distinction, and we must never forget the price of that freedom. It was paid in blood by countless Americans who were willing to answer the call of duty. My decision to join the Army is a fulfillment of that obligation.

Respect is an admiration or high regard for something. My respect for human life, for human dignity and for a person's inalienable rights defies all my attempts to frame it in mere words. My decision to join the Army is a demonstration of that reverence.

Service is the giving of yourself for the benefit of another. Service always requires sacrifice and every soldier, sailor,

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