Provide for the Common Defence

>> Lieutenant Colonel Tom Kulisz: My name is Lieutenant Colonel Tom Kulisz of the United States Marine Corps. I've been on active duty for 19 years and currently a national security affairs fellow at the Hoover Institution. Almost 45 years ago, my mom and dad immigrated to the United States from eastern Europe, and the United States has been home ever since.

Throughout my life, my parents championed the idea of serving others and contributing to the well being of our communities. It inspired me to join the Marines, and for nearly two decades, I've been honored to serve my community and my country as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.

In the 52 words of our constitution's preamble, our founding fathers created the framework for what our nation and our people stand for. It's an ongoing testament to loyalty, not to any person or group of people, but to the ideas on which our nation was built. While America's sons and daughters volunteer to serve in uniform for many different reasons, we all have one thing in common, we swore an oath to defend the United States and the United States Constitution.

We raised our right hand to provide for the common defense. On June 29, 2001, Induction Day at the United States Naval Academy, I took my first oath. I knew in that moment I was embarking on a life-changing journey that was bigger than myself, it was to serve others by protecting our way of life.

Four years later, on May 27, 2005, I took the oath to become a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. We were a nation at war, and I knew that I was going to deploy in defense of our way of life. More importantly, I knew that was absolutely where I needed to be.

The oath of enlistment and the oath of commissioned officers are solemn commitments, emphasizing duty, loyalty, and the defense of the Constitution. Those who raise the right hand and take the oath swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that they will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.

This solemn vow is steeped in the core values of service, honor, and country. And by taking this oath, individuals commit to upholding the principles that form the foundation of the United States. Choosing to dedicate yourself to providing for the common defense is a powerful motivator, inspiring a sense of responsibility towards our nation and those who call the United States home.

It is a call to action for those who wish to contribute directly to the well-being, safety, and security of our country through military service by dedicating their skills and talents to the greater good. For me, sharing the bond of our common purpose tied me ever closer with those that I led and those that led me.

We all knew our common purpose. And no matter what the challenge, we knew that we were working for the good of our nation, in our way of life, we were defending and protecting the Constitution. Those service members, those Americans, selflessly defended the freedoms and values that defined the United States.

This dedication contributed then and still contributes today to the safeguarding of our democracy and ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy the privileges that come with living in this great nation. The United States is a unique and wonderful experiment that has proven the value of democracy. It's been my life's purpose to provide for the common defense, and I'm thankful for the opportunity our nation has afforded me to defend and protect our way of life.

More importantly, each time I take or administer the oath, I'm reminded that the United States of America gave my family home almost 45 years ago. As a lifelong public servant, I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my story, and I would like to thank all those who are committed to keeping this way of life as vibrant and prosperous as our founding fathers imagined.