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Our military is so steeped in tradition that I would think that any Soldier at some point, when they hear certain songs and they don't see the stars and stripes waving, and they don't get that feeling in their heart or their throat? Something's wrong, something's wrong.

I've been doing this for a long time. Every now and then when I see the flag waving, and the sun's behind it, that just gives you that feeling, like "wow, I'm part of something much larger than myself."

The Army Values are just what I would consider just core characteristics of human beings. As well as being a Soldier, we should definitely hold ourselves to that higher standard and live these Army Values. Each and every one of them is just as important as the other.

As a leader, you have to show your Soldiers the importance of our mission. You have to realize that it's not just us, it's the big picture.

I really think there is no more honorable profession than to be a Soldier in today's Army. The amount of sacrifice and Selfless Service and Honor and Integrity that you see on a day-to-day basis of these young men and women doing incredible things and it really puts your life in perspective to know that there's still people out there doing the right thing over the wrong thing.

And I don't think the American people truly understand the amount of sacrifice that these young men and women have given to the idea of freedom and are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that people can enjoy that around the world.

Soldiers Saluting

WARRIOR ETHOS

I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.

To be a part of this team you have to uphold certain standards. Can you live up to these values and live by our ethos?

1. Loyalty

Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit and other Soldiers. Bearing true faith and allegiance is a matter of believing in and devoting yourself to something or someone. A loyal Soldier is one who supports the leadership and stands up for fellow Soldiers. By wearing the uniform of the U.S. Army you are expressing your loyalty. And by doing your share, you show your loyalty to your unit.

2. Duty

Fulfill your obligations. Doing your duty means more than carrying out your assigned tasks. Duty means being able to accomplish tasks as part of a team. The work of the U.S. Army is a complex combination of missions, tasks and responsibilities — all in constant motion. Our work entails building one assignment onto another. You fulfill your obligations as a part of your unit every time you resist the temptation to take “shortcuts” that might undermine the integrity of the final product.

3. Respect

Treat people as they should be treated. In the Soldier’s Code, we pledge to “treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same.” Respect is what allows us to appreciate the best in other people. Respect is trusting that all people have done their jobs and fulfilled their duty. And self-respect is a vital ingredient with the Army value of respect, which results from knowing you have put forth your best effort. The Army is one team and each of us has something to contribute.

4. Selfless Service

Put the welfare of the Nation, the Army and your subordinates before your own. Selfless service is larger than just one person. In serving your country, you are doing your duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain. The basic building block of selfless service is the commitment of each team member to go a little further, endure a little longer, and look a little closer to see how he or she can add to the effort.

5. Honor

Live up to Army values. The Nation’s highest military award is The Medal of Honor. This award goes to Soldiers who make honor a matter of daily living — Soldiers who develop the habit of being honorable, and solidify that habit with every value choice they make. Honor is a matter of carrying out, acting, and living the values of respect, duty, loyalty, selfless service, integrity and personal courage in everything you do.

6. Integrity

Do what’s right, legally and morally. Integrity is a quality you develop by adhering to moral principles. It requires that you do and say nothing that deceives others. As your integrity grows, so does the trust others place in you. The more choices you make based on integrity, the more this highly prized value will affect your relationships with family and friends, and, finally, the fundamental acceptance of yourself.

7. Personal Courage

Face fear, danger or adversity (physical or moral). Personal courage has long been associated with our Army. With physical courage, it is a matter of enduring physical duress and at times risking personal safety. Facing moral fear or adversity may be a long, slow process of continuing forward on the right path, especially if taking those actions is not popular with others. You can build your personal courage by daily standing up for and acting upon the things that you know are honorable.