I serve my country because I'm good at it. I serve in the military because it is the best way for me to earn the privileges afforded to me as a citizen of my country. I believe service is important to feel a connection to one's nation. More importantly I believe that the military is not, nor should it be, the only means by which to be of service. While we serve our country, civic action serves another, as well as the Peace and Equality Movements. Our nation was founded on checks and balances. Those striving for Peace are the check to those who don't understand War, but choose to engage in it. It's not a coincidence that many members of the anti-war movement are veterans. They know. They believe it necessary to value life, because many have seen it destroyed. Those who have seen it are the ones who can help the rest avoid it. It may be protracted conflicts that will enlighten the world to the suffering of warfare, leading to lasting peace. My job in the Navy allows me the opportunity to improve the lives of service members and civilians in the areas I am deployed. That's my mission. It would be nice if I didn't have to.