I come from a military family, where service is seen as a badge of honor.
I've received many honors and I'm grateful for them; but I've already received the highest award I'll ever receive, and that has been the privilege and honor of serving very proudly in the United States Navy.
My siblings and I were raised to honor and cherish those who serve. They are, as my father said, America's most precious resource. I still believe in that vision of the American military. I want my three daughters to believe in it as well.
Working with our military community has been the biggest honor of my life.
I am not influenced by the expectation of promotion or pecuniary reward. I wish to be useful, and every kind of service necessary for the public good, becomes honorable by being necessary. If the exigencies of my country demand a peculiar service, its claim to perform that service are imperious.
I am very proud of my service, and by law, I am defined as a combat veteran.
I think military is a very special thing.
I'm most interested in public service. I think that's something that I got from being part of my family, which is such an honor.
The thing is, a lot of our vets come home and they feel displaced, and they don't feel like their voice matters, so for me to be a spokesman and have that honor to educate America about who we are and what we are, it's like I'm doing my job.
I have considered the pension list of the republic a roll of honor.
