Life of service richer than life of profit

Of the paths I’ve taken in my life, I find myself deeply grateful for choosing the life of service.

I always enjoyed working in the field of emergency medicine. As a paramedic, I came to the aid of anyone in need. It made no difference concerning their race, age, gender, income, or ethnicity, every patient was treated with the same high-level of care.

As a soldier, I serve the people of the United States by carrying out my assigned mission to the greatest level of proficiency and effectiveness that is possible with the resources available to me. I also try to make a difference in the lives many others in foreign countries.

In both of these professions, I was paid at a set rate. While the motivation to perform at my highest level was from my own internal drive, there was no monetary reason to consider changing my performance level.

With other professions, this is not always the case. The drive for monetary gain in some professions may over-ride ethics and values. In our modern disposable society, companies are increasingly manufacturing inferior products in the attempt to save money. The credibility of used car salesmen have been damaged by those who sell cars that barely make it off the lot before breaking down.

Unfortunately, many Americans have shifted their values in the perception of wrongdoing. What was once wrong because it was wrong is now only wrong if you are caught.

Many times in life we may be asked to choose between the “hard right” or the “easy wrong.” In my profession of being an American Soldier, my “hard right” choices are easy. I have a set of values and norms that guided my actions and led me to act in the best interest of the American population, so I will always choose the difficult path of honor and decency.

When I was in Iraq, I saw firsthand the extremes of differences in practice between U.S. servicemen and U.S. contractors. There is a major difference between completing a task to the fullest degree possible versus only doing what is profitable, required, or convenient.

While not everyone can work in the field of service, those who do not can try to run ethical businesses. It would be better to make smaller profits and have loyal customers, than to make large profits and alienate your customer base. Live a life so the first words that others describe you as is not connected with your profits but with your character.

At the end of your life, you can measure your success in more than just dollar signs. While not all of us will be remembered as heroes or individuals that have changed the world, let all of us be remembered as good and honest people ruled by our values that positively affected our community.

I was raised to believe that everyone has a duty to his or her country and community. The rights and privileges afforded to us by this great nation carry a debt that no honest citizen can ignore. While not everyone can be a soldier or emergency worker, I encourage you to be involved in your community. Help your fellow man. Live a life according to your values.

And for those that dare, come serve with me in the U.S. Army. Learn how it feels to be a hero as a defender of the greatest nation on earth. Learn how the sacrifices made for your country can come to be their own reward.

If you are an individual of virtue, I challenge you to be a leader in the strongest army in the world. More than ever, we need men and women of honor to guide this great nation into a better future.