Pursuing a higher purpose

The following is my email message that I sent out to my friends after my orders to Iraq came through.

Friends,

Those of you who have known me for many years know that I am a person of deep and solemn convictions, a commitment to principles, and a belief in a higher purpose – in relation to which I am merely an agent. You also know that I am a bit of an anachronism. In this cynical age, which scoffs at patriotism, courage, and honor, I steadfastly hold these to be the highest of virtues.

It is for these principles that I have made the most important decision of my life. Friends, I’m going to war.

There is a time in our lives when we need to evaluate why we’re here, and what we are doing in our short time in this world to make it a better place. This isn’t a question we usually ask ourselves one day when we wake up, it’s a mental process we traverse over the course of years.

For me, this question has always been near at hand, and so, consequently, have been the answers. That’s why I do what I do without hesitation, knowing in my heart the path that I must take. We are here to serve. To follow the advice of Sam Houston, we must “Do Right – and Risk the Consequences.”

With that in mind, I raised my right hand three years ago to serve my country in the United States Navy Reserve. Folks, I did not do it to add ink to my resume, rather because I believe it is the duty I owe to those who have gone before and those who will come afterwards.

This past week, I once more raised my hand – this time to go forward – and will soon be deployed, boots on the ground, in Iraq.

Entrusting myself to God and His providence, I go with heart calm and head uplifted. Thank you all for the roles that you have played in my life, and for the roles which I hope that you shall continue to play upon my return.


James Aalan Bernsen