Staying true regardless of consequences

In 1962 at the ripe old age of 17yrs, I convinced my mother that military service was more important than school and she relented and signed for me to enlist in the army. I still remember taking the oath in Cleveland, OH. It was the proudest moment of my life. My intention was to make a career of the Army.

After basic I was sent to the First Infantry Division at Fort Riley Kansas. Because of the racial tensions at that time we started training for riot control. I was shocked as was my fellow soldiers to what the government

(DOD) expected us to do to control the American people in a time of riots or rebellion.

We were told that we risked prison if we didn't follow "Orders". We agreed that some of those "Orders" would NOT be obeyed by any of us against our own people even if it meant prison.

We all felt that we enlisted to protect the American people. So I know what the government is capable of. I chose not to reenlist in 1965 but I have never forgotten what Washington expected of the military. I truly loved the Army and I am proud of my service to my country but I joined to be a Patriot not a Traitor. I am just about the same size now and keep myself in good condition and I do keep and bear arms and ammunition because I understood that someday I might have to fight the very ones who would have me harm Americans.

God Bless America and God Bless The Oath Keepers!