houde

Ever since I understood what the military was as a child, I wanted to be a Soldier. I wanted to defend and disseminate our nation’s ideals by assisting others in what my nation knew was right. As I grew in the Army as an enlisted member, I decided to become a military officer. Although as a young man I may have made a righteous, albeit impulsive, decision to enlist; the decision to become an officer was not made at all lightly. Witnessed through my experience in the Army, I realize that I am observed differently by society as an officer. With this, as much as I have endured, my responsibilities as a Soldier would inherently change from this point forward.

As a Soldier, I want to be a defender of my country while helping other nations achieve our level of freedom and democracy. My becoming an officer held similar desires within the spectrum of the military. In the defense of our nation, having leaders that are able to effectively influence others to accomplish a mission is the cornerstone of our strength. Rising through the ranks to non-commissioned officer, I am very much familiar w...