Is pride declining in the services and why or why not?

2015-04-17T14:55:44-04:00

Does pride in your unit, your country and your values really matter? Is flag-waving mean that other people are inferior? Newer SMs and even veterans seem to forget (not always) that it is not all about them. Sure it aggravating that people do the Stolen Valor but does making an ugly scene contribute to or take away from professionalism and pride?

But I have seen a growing trend of saying there is nothing exceptional about our country. For those of you who wish to complain about racism, why don't we acknowledge others for their contributions and try to look at others perspectives.

I am afraid that people from other countries get what is special about here and are not afraid to say. I remember a Cuban National who when he got his citizenship and he cried? Would you be embarrassed at that or would you hug that person and congratulate them? Would you reconsider your own hard line and stop with the generalizations that lead absolutely nowhere.

If you walked into a soup kitchen and saw the grinding poverty but did nothing, who are you to complain? Pride in the alleviation of want is a pretty good get for everyone. Maybe it is something to be proud about.

Why the negativity? Why the resentment of older veterans which we all will be one day? This has nothing to do with feeling exceptional but being exceptional and humble if you are. Being happy begins with leadership, getting an education and sharing your heart and your soul with family and friends.

There is nothing intrinsically wrong with feeling pride but there has to be something proud about. Pride in the creases in our uniform and being personally honorable.

What's your take? What's the difference between narcissism and service to one another?

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-24086785

How do we correct perceptions about us? Oh and there are plenty of things to be proud about.

The unlikely story behind the phrase 'American exceptionalism' - BBC News

The US and Russian presidents fail to see eye to eye on some major issues. They also have a difference of opinion on one particular phrase.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Apr 17 at 2015 3:03 PM

2015-04-17T15:03:53-04:00

L, to me adherence to deeply held values is primary. I hold pride in my unit and country to the degree that they are adhering to their charters. For units that generally has been true except when criminal activity was involved or immoral activity on the part of leaders. For this country it has been hard to watch the national leaders and courts at times veering away from long-held constitutional principles and embracing more whimsical concepts.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 17 at 2015 3:54 PM

2015-04-17T15:54:47-04:00

It is a tired and weary military who can't seem to defeat people who are two chromosomes away from Neanderthals. Many of the troops returning have ghosts living in them.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Apr 17 at 2015 5:15 PM

2015-04-17T17:15:45-04:00

Pride to me is displayed by all who serve. We are the 7% of society who have served or are serving our country.

I am proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free. Lee Greenwood

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Apr 18 at 2015 11:43 PM

2015-04-18T23:43:24-04:00

I think our pride is holding up especially well for knowing we are so disrespected, underpaid, overworked, and in the most dangerous job in the world. We don't have a tendency to drop our weapons and run just because the situation is bad or someone says "boo"!!!!!!