Coming from an African-American family which has served with distinction during every major conflict from World War II through Afghanistan, I’m honored to wear the uniform of our nation’s armed forces, and humbled to carry on my family’s proud tradition of service.  I serve to defend the freedoms that our forebears fought and sacrificed for, to provide a safer, stronger and more prosperous future to the next generation, and to ensure that our exceptional nation continues to persist as a symbol of liberty and hope to all nations and people who seek a more peaceful tomorrow.

The seemingly ubiquitous refrain these days is that America is declining, and that our days as a strong nation are numbered, if not over.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  While the world is becoming a more dangerous place, the United States of America continues to remain the world’s indispensable power. 

Of the many reasons I’m honored to support our Commander-in-Chief, one of most important, because of its impact on our safety and security here at home, might be his understanding of how to best use and get the most out of the elements that comprise our international strength.  When to use force, when to use diplomacy, when to work with our allies to achieve goals, when to apply crippling sanctions, when to use foreign aid as a carrot – and how to use all of these tools in concert, truly demonstrates an America that uses smart power effectively, and that is again garnering the respect of nations around the world.  This intelligent, measured approach to engaging the world is refreshing and encouraging, in light of some of our past strategic overreaches. 

As a veteran with a sibling currently serving in Afghanistan, I’m heartened by the President’s and First Lady’s initiatives in support of military families, the care and support networks for our wounded warriors, as well as the new programs designed to ensure that returning veterans are able to transition quickly and effectively into civilian employment. 

The coming national discussion on foreign policy, as part of the presidential election process, will show President Obama as a sure-footed, decisive, and intelligent leader, who’s taken bold action to keep America safe, to advance our interests around the world, and to serve the men, women and families that have honorably served this great nation.

Coming from an African-American family which has served with distinction during every major conflict from World War II through Afghanistan, I’m honored to wear the uniform of our nation’s armed forces, and humbled to carry on my family’s proud tradition of service.  I serve to defend the freedoms that our forebears fought and sacrificed for, to provide a safer, stronger and more prosperous future to the next generation, and to ensure that our exceptional nation continues to persist as a symbol of liberty and hope to all nations and people who seek a more peaceful tomorrow.

The seemingly ubiquitous refrain these days is that America is declining, and that our days as a strong nation are numbered, if not over.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  While the world is becoming a more dangerous place, the United States of America continues to remain the world’s indispensable power. 

Of the many reasons I’m honored to support our Commander-in-Chief, one of most important, because of its impact on our safety and security here at home, might be his understanding of how to best use and get the most out of the elements that comprise our international strength.  When to use force, when to use diplomacy, when to work with our allies to achieve goals, when to apply crippling sanctions, when to use foreign aid as a carrot – and how to use all of these tools in concert, truly demonstrates an America that uses smart power effectively, and that is again garnering the respect of nations around the world.  This intelligent, measured approach to engaging the world is refreshing and encouraging, in light of some of our past strategic overreaches. 

As a veteran with a sibling currently serving in Afghanistan, I’m heartened by the President’s and First Lady’s initiatives in support of military families, the care and support networks for our wounded warriors, as well as the new programs designed to ensure that returning veterans are able to transition quickly and effectively into civilian employment. 

The coming national discussion on foreign policy, as part of the presidential election process, will show President Obama as a sure-footed, decisive, and intelligent leader, who’s taken bold action to keep America safe, to advance our interests around the world, and to serve the men, women and families that have honorably served this great nation.

Sacrifice, service, and love of country are a few words that come to mind when I think about my time served as an Officer in the United States Army.  At the age of 34 I have had the high privilege to serve my country in and out of uniform.  When I was in uniform I saw tours of duty to Iraq and Afghanistan while serving with some of the bravest men and women I have ever known.  Many of our stories were the same.  We came from all parts of America, united under one cause, to protect Freedom. 

I know that I stand on the shoulders of so many African-American service men and women who came before me and endured indignities that I could never imagine.  Because of their sacrifice many African-American service members have served at the highest levels of the enlisted and officer ranks.  They opened the door for a young soldier like me to walk through and have opportunities that a generation ago they could never have seen. 

Like the service members before me I was able to take advantage of educational opportunities like the Post 9/11 GI Reform Act that was initiated under President Obama’s administration.  This benefit allowed me to complete my Juris Doctor degree from William & Mary School of Law the nation’s oldest legal institution and return home to the Town of Spring Lake, NC where I was recently elected the youngest mayor in our town’s history. 

I support President Obama because his commitment to veterans has been unyielding, like the recently announced Veterans Jobs Corps.The President’s economic incentives to train and help our soldier’s transition into the civilian workforce will be critical to our country continued economic recovery.  It will take Sacrifice, Service, and Love of Country to continue to move America forward, and our nations veterans stand ready to serve once again.