I am not the lucky one!

[Capt.Jim]

It is late.
I am tired.
and to be honest, I am sick of it.
Sick of seeing some of my fellow citizens act like they are ashamed of being an American!

I wasn't lucky to be a person who got the chance to born in the USA.
I wasn't lucky to be a person who speaks English as his native language.
I was born in the Middle East.
From an Italian dad, and a Russian mom.
Grew up in a totally different country.
Then joined the NATO forces.
Chosen to be a NAVY sniper.
Served 5 years in active duty as officer in charge of a top secret US military base security in the middle east.
Fought with my brothers in the U.S. forces shoulder to shoulder (air force+Marines) during the Desert Storm.
We kicked the doors of insurgents together, we got each other's six.
We were ready to sacrifice our lives for each other.

Then I've got a chance to come to this greatest nation on earth.
I moved here because I thought the sky is the limit.
As long as i am law-abiding and responsible person nothing limits me what or where I want to be in life.
Then i became a naturalized citizen.
I've even changed my birth name which was given to me by the middle eastern government and instead I got my Christian name.
I've been baptized.
Yes, I am a proud American citizen.
I am proud because I wasn't born into this greatness but still I chose the best of the best country in the whole world ever existed.
Some may say, well we have some imperfections!
Of course. Who doesn't?
Otherwise they call this place "Heaven" instead of the USA.
But guys you know what?
I am in heaven!
This is my country to work, play, live and die...

Do we have negativities? Sure we do!
Do we have problems? Sure we do!

But even before correcting all of our wrong-doings, trust me we all are living in the greatest country in the world.
What made this country greatest is not the last 5 years, but the last few decades.

Who cares what I was born as...
Even in a state like CA. I am able to obtain my CCW.
You know why?
Cause this is the greatest nation on earth and if you play by the rules nothing can stop you!
Damn!!!! I am proud to announce to whole world: I am an American! and proud of it!!!

 

[JJEH]

Cause this is the greatest nation on earth...

Word.....!

 

[Old cop]

Well said, I'm proud to know you.

 

[jsmokey]

Good for you. I'm glad to have you aboard

Smokey

 

[shouldazagged]

That's beautifully and powerfully said.

 

[Protected One]

Welcome to the U.S.A.! Thanks for your service in the Navy.
You're part of the reason I get to claim the name - Protected One.
(The other part is my S & W)

 

[sophie]

Well said Capt. Jim and I am certainly glad to know you.

 

[Iggy]

A tip of the ol Stetson to you. It's an honor to have you aboard, and thank you for helping make America the country it is.

 

[Hillbilly77]

Sick of seeing some of my fellow citizens act like they are ashamed of being an American!

I am ashamed that those people are Americans too.

 

[Mr. P]

good on ya....

blackeyed peas and cornbread, throw in some BBQ ribs

 

[M29since14]

Great to read that. Thanks for sharing it with us. The U.S. is not without fault but we would be a lot better off - and more beneficial to everyone, foreigners included - if we would do the things we have always done best and just quit wringing our hands worrying about being everything to everyone. Those that can't or don't want to fit in here are welcome to - and should - go elsewhere. If you want to be part of "the great experiment," the U.S. is still just as good a place to be as it has ever been.

 

[Mr Pokeyman]

Hello, Capt Jim. I just got back from my Navy Ship annual reunion which was held in Minneapolis this year. We go to a different city each year so anyone who ever served on the ship (USS Independence) can attend because some are getting pretty old and can't travel too far. The Indy was commissioned in 1959 and we had a bunch of the very first crew members present, they are called "plankowners". I was a crewman from 1964 to 1966. The reunions can get pretty emotional and always very proud and patriotic. I commend you for your service and patriotism. You should see if your old unit has a reunion association and join it. Don't let the current political situation get you down. Hang in there.

 

[kozmic]

In a country that is quickly becoming overrun with people (born here, here legally and even illegally) that feel America owes them something, it's refreshing to hear your perspective.

On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you for your service Captain. And more so, thank you for understanding the true meaning (and responsibility) of the "American Dream". Your words are absolutely inspiring and give me hope.

 

[labworm]

In a country that is quickly becoming overrun with people (born here, here legally and even illegally) that feel America owes them something, it's refreshing to hear your perspective.

On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you for your service Captain. And more so, thank you for understanding the true meaning (and responsibility) of the "American Dream". Your words are absolutely inspiring and give me hope.

America itself owes nobody nothing, but does provide the means to fulfill any dreams you may have.

As a citizen, if you miss the boat then you arrived at the dock too late to get aboard, it always was and still is in your hands to succeed or not.

The original Poster understands and I salute him.

 

[Aticus]

Does anyone else feel like we just got a well deserved kick in the pants? Every so often I get a little complacent about this country and someone comes along and boots my behind to remind me what we have in this country! Thank you, sir, I needed that!

 

[feralmerril]

And to think that some here commit suicide!

 

[the ringo kid]

A tip of the ol Stetson to you. It's an honor to have you aboard, and thank you for helping make America the country it is.

I second the tip of that Stetson:

Regards from Bat:

 

[ancient-one]

Sir, you said it right. Apathy and worse is killing this nation. Very glad to have you with us.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Thank you for your service.
Thank you for coming here and not expecting a hand out.
Thank you for being a good citizen.

What we are and how we live is up to us. And there are people born here that just don't understand that.

 

[bearfoot]

glad i signed on tonight. got to read this posted thread.