"I have long stated that my oath of enlistment to preserve and protect the constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic."as well as "to keep true faith and allegiance to the same." did not expire upon my retirement.
In my 27 years of combined active duty and reserve service in the U.S. Army and the Texas Army National Guard I have served in the Artillery, Infantry and deployed to the Balkans as a Combat Engineer. I am a retired Sergeant First Class, and stand by my initial oath of enlistment on October 17, 1958.
In Feb. 1950 at the age of 17 I enlisted in the United States Army and took the oath to protect and defend the Constitution of these United States. Little did I know or understand at that time that the day would come that I would ever have to defend it against our own Government.
After I finished basic training I went to Ft. Benning, Georgia to take Airborne training. It was while in Airborne training that the Korean war broke out. After Airborne training I was sent to Ft. Bragg, North Carolina to the 82nd Airborne Division signal Company where I spent three years.After discharge I returned home and Married a wonderful girl and now on the 27th of March 2009, we will celebrate our 55th wedding anniversary.
Thinking back over the years I have never forgotten my oath and am as committed today as I ever was to the Constitution. Its to bad that the people running our Government today do not understand what our forefathers stood for and had the courage to stand up against all those secret organizations that wish to destroy our Nation and its Constitution!
I am a retired U.S. Army Infantry NCO (SFC/E7) platoon sergeant. I last served with D Co, 1/8 Inf, 4th ID... I also was in CSC, 1/46 Inf, 1st AD.
I have been stating for many months that I took an oath when I first enlisted back in 1975 and that no one told me I was no longer bound by that oath when I retired. That oath was to protect and DEFEND the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC, so help me God. I intend to do just that, as this is not the country I intended to bequeath to my sons and grandchildren. It is extremely refreshing to know their is an organization which supports my beliefs - please count me in as a member.
You have my permission to use both my name and statement, as simple as it is in comparison to some of the others. It is an honor and privilege to serve with you and stand beside all the others who remember their oath and allegiance to the Constitution of the great nation.
I am also a third generation Combat Veteran, My Grandpa was in WW1 My dad was an F.O. in Patton's Army, I was with the First Cav, 8th Combat Engineers (Air Mobile),1968-1970, mostly in Phouc Phin, we built Fire Bases mostly, but in this one area where we put in a air strip for Carabous and C130's + Fire Base (I am not sure how to spell it), Boo Dop is how it sounded, there was a sign at our CP that said "There is an essence to life the protected will never know".I am finding that saying to be quite poignant these days.
Glad you made it back O.K. I was 18 when I went, 20 when I got out, Now when I look at my 19 year old son I cringe to think how a person of that age could handle that sort of thing. Platoon is the closest thing I have seen that depicts what it was like, except we had better fields of fire, never any trees in the middle of a fire base. In the end of the movie when the helicopter was flying away and they were throwing body's into a bomb crater and a bull dozer was filling it in, that would have been me on the dozer.
So to make a short story long, I am so with you on the importance of protecting the Constitution, A perfect document when left in its original state, maybe dangerous when tampered with, so rare that all the forces and powers that be could come along and produce such a remarkable document, after thousands of years of people trying to perfect a free society. It has been bought and paid for with generations of blood, sweat, tears and ultimate sacrifice, it would be a abomination of our faith in God and our Honor as a people to ever let any one or thing defile what we as a people pass down from generation to generation as the ultimate gift of life to our children and future generations. Life would become meaningless without it, That is why as a fighting force we have the advantage in all battles, we have more to lose while the other side has so little to fight for.
I do solemnly swear to defend the Constitution of the United states of America and all it stands for so help me God. You better listen up Politicians, you have ventured on to thin ice and are flirting with death. The Constitution has given me the legal right to do what ever I must do to defend it against all who would tamper with it's original meaning and intent, and I will.
My name is JT Day. I am a third generation war veteran. My grandfather fought in WW I, My father in WW II, I fought with the 1st Cavalry Div. in Vietnam (and spent 5 years on active duty). My son is a fourth generation combat veteran and career soldier.
After I left military service, I went into Law Enforcement where I served for about 30 years. I took the oath in January 1966, and since have lived up to it to the best of my ability. Of course, mistakes were and are made. This is the nature of man.
If you challenge the principles of freedom under the rule of law -the Constitution, you are a traitor and do not deserve to enjoy the freedoms the constitution provides for us. If you are one who is critical of the philosophy expressed herein, find another website more to your liking and go there. We cannot convince you of the rightness of this cause. that is for you to do through study, honesty and prayer. If you can't swear to uphold the Constitution, then you are either hopelessly naive, stupid or evil.
I expect that we will win this test of wills and strength, but some of us may fall. We will ultimately prevail because despite the current state of affairs, we are right-and those who would tear up the constitution are wrong. No nation on earth has been taken by force of arms when it had an armed citizenry.
To those who find fault with one or another of the positions taken by Oath Keepers, I say fine. But when it comes time to defend the CONSTITUTION of the Unites States, shut up and honor your oath.
It is far better to die on your feet leaning into the battle than to die on your knees as a slave.
I made this pledge at the young age of 17 called early entry into the Army in 1967.
"I solumly pledge to protect and defend the Consitution of the United States of America form all enemies both foreign and domestic, so help me God"!
My oath hasn't changed nor will it until the day I die! I served two tours in Viet Nam in a LRRP provisional at Phu Bai and continuted to serve for seven more years as a CID investigator with several TDY tours back to the big Green.
I then served as a civilian police officer for several jurisdictions to total 27 years in law enforcement. I continue to serve in any way shape or form to promote 2nd Amendment Rights.
"I will never give up"!
Thank you for this venue! We need more like you!
CJ Miller SFC US Army
Note from Oath Keepers: And we need more like YOU. The testimony of combat vets, especially from veterans of Vietnam, Korea, and WWII, are especially powerful and persuasive in getting the current generation of young bucks to do the right thing. Please encourage your buddies to step up, either with written testimonials, or video. Video is especially powerful, so if you have any way of making one, please do, and send it in! Email for details.
Oath Keepers is not militia movement, per se, it’s a declaration of dedication to support and defend the supreme law of our land: the U.S. Constitution from all enemies both foreign and domestic. It’s a group of patriotic men and women seeking to remind fellow citizens of their profound obligations to God and country.
A fellow trusted friend, a genuine patriot, an Oath Keeper, asked me to describe or define what my sworn oath mean to me and I told him: “Any oath [or vow] that I have ever taken is a “Blood Oath” and it’s irrevocable.” It coincides with the Devine admonition: “Defend the truth, even unto death.” The signers of the Declaration of Independence pledged: “Their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor;” can we do any less?
My combined public service as a U.S. Army soldier; Deputy Sheriff; Police Sergeant and Special Deputy Marshal Court Services Officer totals 38 plus years. The oaths I swore during the commission of these offices all had these profound words in common: “…I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic…so help me God!
Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s:
There was no confusion by the Centurion [In the book of Luke] about his duty to the lawful authority of the state government and his faithful acknowledgement of God’s supreme authority. Romans Chapter 13: 3 – “Rulers are not a cause of fear to good conduct, but to evil. Do you wish to have no fear of authority? Then do what is good and you will receive approval from it. For it is a servant of God for your good. But if you do evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword without purpose; it is the servant of God to inflict wrath on the evildoer.”
Just like the Centurion, I am subject to authority and God’s authority reigns supreme. Through prayer, we are granted discernment to determine between righteousness and sin. Next to salvation, free will is the second greatest gift bestowed man. Throughout human history, there are countless examples of sinful and evil regimes and my mind can’t conceive that God endorsed any of them. To my recollection they were all judged for their sins and met their demise.
Psalm Chapter 27: “The Lord is my light and my salvation, of whom should I be afraid?” Anyone that would tell you lies or seek to intimidate you is not God’s servant. Be vigilant; be on your guard, because they are “Legion” and bat for the other team!
As a Deputy Sheriff/Police Officer I suggested to the Under Sheriff that we adopt the following motto and emblazon it on all our police vehicles:“Pledged to a Sacred Oath” I wanted the citizens that we served to be assured that we were men and women of honor pledged to protect them and the constitution from all enemies both foreign and domestic. Disappointingly, the hierarchy replied that we all ready had a motto [the generic] “To protect and serve.”
Many years ago, I stood in awe at the foot of the “Minuteman” statue at Concord Bridge, Massachusetts. I must tell you it was a soulful experience. Make it a point to go there and stand in the presence of that memorial and reflect on the brave souls that stopped tyranny on that fateful day: April 19, 1775. These patriots rallied to the wisdom of Samuel Adams when he said:
“It does not take a majority to prevail... but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.”
Dave Freeman, Oath Keeper
Note: Dave Freeman, a retired peace officer, is still serving his country, as he now serves as the Oath Keepers liaison to sheriff, police, and other peace officer organizations across this nation. He can be reached by email here:
I can tell you from my personal experience with Dave that he is a committed, principled, and fearless patriot. He is a perfect example of why we know that many peace officers will side with the people and the Constitution if/when it ever comes to that awful day. I am proud to call Dave a brother Oath Keeper. - Stewart Rhodes
Thanks for standing up for the U.S. Constitution. I am retired from the U.S. Army Infantry with 23 years of service. Several times during the course of my career, I took an Oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States from all enemies, foreign and domestic. I took it seriously, and I still do. I was, and am, willing to die in the defense of my Constitution, without which there is no nation.
Once enlisted, I asked myself how I could best fulfill my Oath to support and defend the Constitution. I decided that my first step would be to find out what was stated in the document. After that, I still had some questions that needed clarification, so I read the concurrent writings of the Founders. It takes a lot of reading and research, but with a committed effort the meaning of the Constitution becomes very plain. I don't need a lawyer to explain it to me.
Human nature and the nature of government conspire to amass power and control, so freedom never lasts very long. Democracy-based societies have a cycle of about 200 years, and we are approaching the end of one of those cycles. The one thing that is required before the government lapses into tyranny is the disarming of the populace. The Founders knew this very well and insisted on the inclusion of a Bill of Rights to restrict the government from interfering with our Natural Rights. The Second Amendment specifies that the Right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. 'Experts' will say that no Right is absolute. I say it IS absolute. It is the one Right that has to stand, uninfringed, in order to preserve liberty as a last resort. Once we are disarmed, liberty is gone.
My warning to the enemies of the Constitution is this:
We will not wait to be disarmed before we resist. If you move the line behind where we now stand, we will not comply. If you send armed men to force compliance, we will defend ourselves and the Constitution. Naturally, we will then be at war with those who sent armed men against us.
For those who find that statement shocking, you should try reading what some of our nation's Founders wrote! I have already sent this message to my elected leaders. I pray to God they honor their own Oaths. We stand ready. -
Military, Veterans, and peace officers who will honor their oaths to defend the Constitution, will NOT “just follow orders,” will stand for liberty, and will save the Republic, so help us God. Our motto is:
"Not on Our Watch!"
JEWS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF FIREARMS OWNWERSHIP: America's Most Aggressive Defender of Firearms Ownership
THE SHELDON LAW FIRM SPECIALIZES IN MILITARY LAW AND LITIGATION. Highly Recommended By Stewart Rhodes For All Active Duty And Veterans.
1.We will NOT obey orders to disarm the American people.
2. We will NOT obey orders to conduct warrantless searches of the American people
3.We will NOT obey orders to detain American citizens as “unlawful enemy combatants” or to subject them to military tribunal.
4.We will NOT obey orders to impose martial law or a “state of emergency” on a state.
5.We will NOT obey orders to invade and subjugate any state that asserts its sovereignty.
6.We will NOT obey any order to blockade American cities, thus turning them into giant concentration camps.
7.We will NOT obey any order to force American citizens into any form of detention camps under any pretext.
8.We will NOT obey orders to assist or support the use of any foreign troops on U.S. soil against the American people to “keep the peace” or to “maintain control.”
9.We will NOT obey any orders to confiscate the property of the American people, including food and other essential supplies.
10.We will NOT obey any orders which infringe on the right of the people to free speech, to peaceably assemble, and to petition their government for a redress of grievances.
1. Email us your own Oath Keeper testimonial at: oathkeepersok@gmail.com Send in text or video - just email us with any questions. OR, 2. Post your Oath Keeper testimonial as a comment: You can submit comments here anonymously if you want.
Your testimonial will be used to reach, teach, and inspire other military, veterans, and peace officers.
3. Put your own Oath Keeper testimonial video on Youtube and send us a link or post it in a comment. We'll link to it here and add it to our Youtube favorites: http://www.youtube.com/OathkeepersOK
4. Spread the word! You can forward or repost any article here so long as you give credit and include a link to this site.
5. Donate to support Oath Keepers. Your donations will go toward efforts to reach, teach, and inspire all who took the oath to be oath keepers.
We are in a battle for the hearts and minds of our own troops.
Oath Keepers is an association of currently serving military, veterans, and peace officers who will fulfill the oath we swore to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, so help us God.
Our oath is to the Constitution, not to the politicians, and we will not obey unconstitutional (and thus illegal) and immoral orders, such as orders to disarm the American people or to place them under martial law and deprive them of their ancient right to jury trial.
We Oath Keepers have drawn a line in the sand. We will not “just follow orders."
Our motto is “Not on our watch!”
If you, the American people, are forced to once again fight for your liberty in another American Revolution, you will not be alone.We will stand with you.
There is at this time a debate within the ranks of the military regarding their oath.Some mistakenly believe they must follow any order the President issues.But you can rest assured that many others in the military do understand that their loyalty is to the Constitution, and understand what that means.
The mission of Oath Keepers is to vastly increase their numbers.We are in a battle for the hearts and minds of our own troops.To win that battle, Oath Keepers will use written and video testimony of active duty military, veterans (especially combat vets), and peace officers to reach, teach, and inspire our brothers in arms in the military and police to fulfill their oaths and stand as guardians of the Republic.
If you are currently in the military, are a veteran, or are a peace officer, please submit your written and/or video testimony on your oath, so you can help us win that battle for hearts and minds.Your submission may be anonymous.
Guardians of the Republic, fulfill your oath. Join us.
We are Not advocating or promoting the overthrow of any government whether local, state or national. We want our governments to return to the Constitutional Republic which the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution defined and instituted.
We are Not advocating or promoting violence towardsany organization, group or person. We are determined to Keep our Oath to support and defend the Constitution.
We are not advocating or promoting the removal of anyperson from his or her elected office. We want all elected persons to live up to their Oath to "support and defend the Constitution" as it is written or to leave of their own volition.
We are not advocating or promoting that anyone in theJudicial Branch be removed or replaced. We want the Justices in the Judicial Branch to follow the Constitution as written without interpretation.
We are not advocating or promoting any particular form of government other than the Constitutional Republic which the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution defined and instituted.
We are not advocating or promoting the rewriting of the Constitution nor are we asking for an Amendment thereto. We are insisting on the Constitution being Enforced as it is written.
We are Not advocating or promoting any act or acts ofaggression against any organization or person for any reason including, but not limited to; race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, gender or sexual orientation.
We hope for a return to a Constitutional Republic free from fear and hatred. We hate only tyranny.
We are Oath Sworn Americans who want the Constitution returned to its legal and rightful place, intact, as the ultimate Law of the Land.
DEDICATION:
This site is dedicated to the memory of John William Adams (1925-2006), Marine and Oath Keeper extraordinaire.
John Adams, at the age of 16, lied about his age to join the Marines so he could fight against Imperial Japan in the Pacific. His enlistment date was December 10, 1941, just three days after the attack on Pearl Harbor (see below). As a Marine rifleman, he fought the Japanese from island to island, across the pacific, including at Iwo Jima.We may have good men, but we never had better.
Until his death in 2006, he was a dedicated patriot who still took his oath to defend the Republic deadly serious. May God grant you the courage to do likewise.
John Adams, Enlistment Date December 10, 1941
Now that is what you call stepping up - but he was not alone. And neither are you.
Semper Fi
In memory of that sixteen-year-old boy who went to war so long ago and saw things no sixteen year old should ever have to see, and in the hope that his service was not in vain, we dedicate this song:
THE MINSTREL BOY As Sung by the Late Joe Strummer
The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone In the ranks of death you will find him; His father's sword he hath girded on, And his wild harp slung behind him;" Land of Song!" said the warrior bard, "Tho' all the world betrays thee, One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard, One faithful harp shall praise thee!"
The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain Could not bring that proud soul under; The harp he lov'd ne'er spoke again, For he tore its chords asunder; And said "No chains shall sully thee, Thou soul of love and brav'ry! Thy songs were made for the pure and free, They shall never sound in slavery!"
“Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force: Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined.” – Patrick Henry.
Stewart is the founder and Director of Oath Keepers. He served as a U.S. Army paratrooper until disabled in a rough terrain parachuting accident during a night jump.
He is a former firearms instructor and former member of Rep. Ron Paul's DC staff.
Stewart graduated from Yale Law School in 2004, where his paper "Solving the Puzzle of Enemy Combatant Status" won Yale’s Miller prize for best paper on the Bill of Rights. He assisted teaching U.S. military history at Yale, was a Yale Research Scholar, and is writing a book on the dangers of applying the laws of war to the American people.
He is a staff attorney with Jefferson Legal Foundation and has assisted in constitutional litigation in state and federal courts.
Stewart currently writes the monthly Enemy at the Gates column for S.W.A.T. Magazine, and has written for The Warrior, the journal of Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyer’s College; for www.moreliberty.org; and for JPFO.
Stewart has appeared on several radio shows, was invited to speak at Stanford University on unlawful enemy combatant status, and teaches classes on the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
He welcomes e-mail at stewart.Rhodes@aya.yale.edu.
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