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I appeal to you as a soldier to spare me the humiliation of seeing my regiment march to meet the enemy and I not share its dangers.

This conflict is one thing I've been waiting for. I'm well and strong and young - young enough to go to the front. If I can't be a soldier, I'll help soldiers.

I've been a soldier too long to refuse to entertain any request from a potential commander in chief.

I am very proud of my service, and by law, I am defined as a combat veteran.

I grew up in a time when people believed in duty, honor and country. My grandfathers were both officers. My father was a General in the Air Force. My brother and I were both in the Army. I've always felt a kinship with soldiers; I think it's possible to support the warrior and be against the war.

I have been accused of being a traitor, and I have been accused of not supporting the military. Nothing could be further from the truth.

As an infantry officer who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, I have led men in combat and trained them on tactics and strategy. The mission of the infantry is to 'close with, and destroy, the enemy.' Our job, in a direct way, is to fight and win wars.

In my proper character, I am an officer of the United States Army.

If I have got to be a soldier, I must be a good one, anything else is unthinkable.