Our duty, as soldiers, is to protect freedom, no matter the cost.

So, why is it me and my brothers and sisters are forgotten?

We do our part for our country, just like your police, firemen, doctors, and teachers.

So, why is it the very ones we fought and shed our own blood for are also the same ones who spit in our faces?

Our duty, as soldiers, is to protect freedom and the American way of life, no matter the cost.

But, why are we so easily discarded and cast aside?

Half my squad was killed by insurgents, on government orders. I lost my legs.

I folded all their flags at their funerals; handed them to their crying families.

I had to watch them bury my own brothers. But they still spit in my face, even into the tears from my eyes.

Our duty, as soldiers, is to protect freedom and each other. No matter the cost.

When I came home, I wanted to be in the arms of the one I loved. To hold my children whom I never got to see.

But when I came home in my wheelchair, I found that I had been replaced.

My fiancé had found another, a lawyer. My children thought he was their father.

It was then that I had been given the divorce papers. Signed without my notice while I was overseas.

Our duty, as soldiers, is to protect freedom and the ones we love, no matter the cost.

I spent months in rehab, learning to live with my new metal legs. I can walk, but I can't run anymore.

I was medically discharged, and given that sacred purple medal and a star of bronze. I earned them in blood.

I value these with my life, but they won't bring my brothers back, nor my legs.

Our duty, as soldiers, is to protect freedom and our country. No matter the cost.

A few kind faces ask me what I did, where I was, how long I served.

My medals, my legs of steel, and my scars all tell my story for me.

But my weary eyes cannot hide the pain and loss I have suffered within.

Although my part in the war is over, I still wage a never-ending conflict within myself every day.

Our duty, as soldiers, is to protect freedom and inspire the ones we defend, no matter the cost.

I bear the burdens so that you don't have to.

While you enjoy a happy life with friends and family, I live alone and may never see mine again.

But if I could, I would do it all over again, to keep America free. So you can be free.

I only ask this of you: remember the sacrifices me and my brothers made for you. Please understand.

I didn't do it for the money, nor did I want to be called a hero. I just did what had to be done.

For my God and Country, my brothers and sisters in arms; and for my children and loved ones.

I did it for you.

I was a soldier. And my duty was to protect freedom, and protect you. No matter the cost.