As an NCO about to deploy to Bosnia, I have thought long and hard over the consequences of a "kill" decision. I believe it is the most heated discussion in our unit to date. I fell very confident that I have been given the proper "tools" to make that decision. I can only hope that I never have to use that type of force.

To date I have not met an civilians who can understand why our presence in Bosnia is vital to world peace. I find that giving them a short history lesson of the region helps to open the door, but most people I talk to believe it is a problem for the European communities to deal with. Well on that note, in the 1930's most Americans felt that Hitler was a "problem that the European communities had to deal with". I will try to embellish on this topic at a later date when I begin my web journal for Mr. Tory Salvia.

As for the fate of coming home to a "ignorant and blind nation", I try to instill in my troops that we should not serve for metals and fame. We should serve to preserve the ideals that so many brave men and women have given their life for, "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness". We should serve to carry on the idea that was born in the Revolution. If we do not pick up the torch of freedom and march forward to empower the world with liberty, who will?

I wish not to be thanked for a job well done, but give my name honor and share the burden of my fellow soldiers, past and present.

In closing, I would like to thank you for supporting the troops. As you know, it is a vital "mission" that is necessary.