This Memorial Day is one of extreme significance for me. It’s more than complicated solely for the fact that I have lost friends of mine fighting in today’s war on terror. With that, it is also my birthday–a time to celebrate my own life. Interestingly enough and maybe it’s the Irish Catholic in me, I am not one to mourn the loss of my friends and colleagues. Instead, I embrace the lives they once lived. I do this because this is what they would want from me. With this said, I have my own concerns this Memorial Day.
In 2009, there were more service members who lost their lives due to suicide than those who actually faced their own fate fighting in Afghanistan. Divorce rates among our military members are at an all-time high. And now, homeless veterans comprise 33% of America’s total homeless population. This tells me that the well being and potential of our nation’s best and brightest is in complete jeopardy due to the ongoing war on terror.
Yes, I believe this war must continue. Our enemies must be defeated so we remain truly secured as a nation. With this, we must properly assist those who voluntarily risk their lives daily so we as a nation can sleep soundly at night.
Through knowing this information, I have decided to start my own non-profit organization called the National Security Leadership Foundation. So, on my birthday, I ask for these gifts. Please, give a gift that my, and or, any other national security oriented non-profit organization can later utilize to give back to those who so gallantly protect us and our nation’s freedoms. Take a minute to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation–keep these warriors in your prayers.
If you believe in what I am asking of you, I ask that you share the below link with your friends, family, and your entire social network. Even if you don’t believe in this cause, believe in those who continue to fight the fight. Please say a prayer for some of our nation’s best and brightest–our national security operatives. To learn more about the National Security Leadership Foundation, go to http://natseclc.com/
Lastly, it is fully understood that some would rather donate to other worthy non-profit organizations. Please, if you feel this way, do so. In fact, without having any connection to these groups, here is a list of just a few of many deserving military oriented non-profits that could always use a contribution:The Special Operations Warrior Foundation, Not Alone, and The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Organization
Kerry Patton is the Co-Founder of the National Security Leadership Foundation, a non-profit organization pending 501c (3) status. He has worked in South America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, focusing on intelligence and security interviewing current and former terrorists, including members of the Taliban. He is the author of “Sociocultural Intelligence: The New Discipline of Intelligence Studies” and the children’s book “American Patriotism.”