God Bless Michael New

As veterans day approaches, it is inspiring to reflect on the sacrifices made by the courageous men and women through the years who have given whatever they could and risked everything for our freedoms. But for me, today, those feelings are mixed with sadness at the unprincipled efforts to purge the military of true Americans who love their God and country and take their oaths of military service seriously. So as Veterans Day '05 rolls around, I offer a tribute to an uncommonly courageous soldier who most of our country has never heard of, and who will not be officially honored tomorrow.

On October 10, 1995, at an American base in Germany, a U.S. Army infantry battalion drew up in formation, ready for deployment to Macedonia. It was a familiar scene. American troops had been operating as UN peacekeepers in Macedonia for 27 months already. But this time, something was new. Instead of the historic Army green Battle Dress Uniform, the troops wore the immature baby blue of the most corrupt organization in the modern world: the United Nations.

While the blue uniform was the most notable difference, it was not the only one. The troops reporting for the formation would be serving under a Flemish commander and carry UN identification, rather than U.S. These changes were patently illegal under current Army regulations, and were a first in the history of the U.S. Army.

Out of the entire battalion standing in formation that morning, only one man had the courage to appear as an American soldier instead of a U.N. "peacekeeper." Specialist Michael G. New took the stand that no other man dared to take. He reperesented then, and still does today, the same kind of American soldier that dared to risk his life, his fortune, and his sacred honor for the freedoms he received from his Creator. He stood for the right, alone, but not alone, as he knew by faith that his Father would stand by him and approve his faithfulness.

Michael New was dishonorably discharged by an ungrateful Army, but in this American's heart he is honored, and in this American's eyes he is a hundred times more worthy of that honor than those who kowtowed to peer pressure and violated their sacred oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Thank you, Specialist New.

And to Sgt. Ed Rasor and the other men who placed duty and honor above their careers and supported Spc. New in his stand, Thank you too. You are heroes to us, if not to others. May God bless you.