PATRIOTS CORNER
Patriot vs . Patriotic
By Raf Viniard
With Memorial Day at the end of this month , the Bundy Ranch and Oregon standoff situations being old news this is a month to reflect on whether you are patriotic , a patriot or both . Some will say they are the same but let ’ s look a little deeper into this belief .
Some of you may be following the Jake Ryan ’ s situation , the shooting of LaVoy Finnicum or the imprisonment of the Cliven Bundy . Jake Ryan a young man of Plains , MT is known in these parts as a hard working , fun loving , outdoorsman and valued community member . He never had nothing more than a single speeding ticket . He was recently picked up on a federal warrant for his participation in the Oregon stand off and has been labeled a threat to his community . The Ryan ’ s are my next door neighbors and you can rest assured Jake is no threat to his community . To learn more about these issues you can Google Jake Ryan ’ s name , Lavoy Finnicum or the Oregon standoff to learn more , but for this article we are going to look at Patriot vs . Patriotic . Whether you agree , disagree or have no opinion in this matter , the America you grew up in is changing and it is changing fast , your kids and grandkids have a future far different than yours .
When I joined the military I took a oath to defend this country against all enemies foreign or domestic . All Federal , state , and local officials take the same oath in one variation or another but the bottom line is we agree to uphold the Constitution . Some believe hanging the America flag , sing the National Anthem and participating in a parade may be “ Patriotic ” enough . The definition of Patriotic is having or expressing devotion to and vigorous support of one ’ s country . A Patriot is a person actively opposing enemy forces occupying his or her country ; a member of a resistance movement or freedom fighter . It was originally used to describe those who opposed and fought the British in American War of Independence against Britain . I believe being a “ Patriot ” is a feeling deep inside of those willing to make a stand regardless of the outcome or consequences .
Right now we have cemeteries not only here in the US but countries abroad full of both Patriots and Patriotic citizens that have fought to defend our freedom and the Untied States . They all gave the full measure . When someone joins the military they may not fully understand at the time they raise their right hand , that they may be called upon to give the full measure . When I joined the service it didn ’ t really sink in until about halfway through basic training when my drill instructor , SSgt White halted us in the middle of drill practice . We just couldn ’ t seem to march in sink with that distinctive heel beat and precision . He instructed us to Parade Rest as six low-flying F-15 Screamin Eagles jet fighters passed over the Parade Field . After the noise abated he then made this statement , “ Gentlemen that is the sound of freedom , never forget why you are here , it is not about a college education or the benefits your recruiter promised you . We are a fighting force to defend our country and with great precision and lethal force we project that power worldwide , day or night , 24-7 , 365 days a year and 366 on Leap Year . At some point you may be asked to give the full measure to carry out that mission . Now get your S @% t together and act like airmen .” Our Squadron motto was “ Lead , Follow or Get Out of The Way ”, and a motto I hold onto and truly believe in today .
Being in the military is one thing , being a Patriot citizen is another , some may have military background while others don ’ t , but there are community members that would lay their life on the line to defend you , your home , your land , your community , your state or our nation .
In the Declaration of Independence ... All men are created equal . They are endowed not by government but by their Creator with certain unalienable rights . Continued on page 17 .
2