My choice to enlist and serve with the Marines was driven by my desire to serve and protect my country for my family and for future generations. I didn’t take my decision lightly, but as I sat in class one day it was the only thing I wanted to do.

Although I wanted to be in college, as Iraq was heating up in the spring of 2004 the one thing I really wanted to do was fight for my country. It was on that day that I left in the middle of Biology class and drove straight to the local recruitment office in Fond du Lac, WI and told the recruiter:

You don’t have to convince me to join, just show me where to sign.

Shortly after, I traveled to San Diego for boot camp and was then deployed twice to Asia and then to Iraq in 2006. As I stood with men and women united to serve and protect our country, it was my greatest honor to represent the United States of America.

I am so proud to stand with Veterans for Obama and to give my support for our President and Commander-in-Chief Barack Obama. Since taking office in 2009, his commitment to our troops when they return home and while they are serving abroad is unwavering. He has fought to expand and improve benefits for veterans and their families – including health care, higher education, and the job opportunities veterans deserve when they return home. He has also fulfilled his promise to safely and responsibly bring our troops home from Iraq.

As we celebrate Flag Day, we want to recognize the men and women across the country who serve, and have served, to protect our country, our freedoms, and the flag. Visit Veterans and Military Families for Obama to learn more about the President's accomplishments for veterans and military families.