Diversity

One of the things that most impresses me about the Army is the rich diversity of our soldiers. I mean this in every sense: race, age, hometown, language, and just about anything else. It makes me proud when I see the many types of people that make up the Army, and who want to serve their country. America is really a pretty amazing place. As the son of a Swedish immigrant, I am living in a building with soldiers from Puerto Rico, Minnesota, Nigeria and other places, and we all have shared purposes and goals in the Army.

There is an interesting article in the USA Today that I encourage you all to read if you have a chance. It's about a 41 year old mother who is enlisting with her 21 year old daughter. Many of you have heard about her. I know people get down on this country with the constant barrage of negativity in the media, but sitting in my perspective, and seeing how many different people, from all walks of life, want to step forward and serve their nation is impressive. How many of you, at age 41, would enlist in the Army and go to basic training? Now, don't get me wrong, not everyone is called to do that and not everyone even can... but for a moment, I'd like to honor this woman, and the others like her. I was commissioned at age 29, which is completely different than enlisting at age 41, and becoming a private in basic training. Hats off to her, and her family!