a major role in America’s future. That is why my generation will not allow ourselves to be defined by the media as selfish, spoiled young adults.


Instead, my generation is ensured


a role in determining our country’s future because we are defined by men like Corporal Matthew Bradford, who at 19 became a blind, double amputee when a roadside bomb in Iraq detonated. He learned to walk on prosthetic legs and has reenlisted; he is serving at Camp Lejeune where he works with wounded Marines to encourage them in their recovery. We are defined by women like Private Melissa Strock, who at the age of 19 lost both legs while serving in Iraq, when an IED exploded under her Humvee. With both legs severely injured, Private Strock crawled to the burning vehicle and rescued a fellow soldier. That is how my generation secures its role in America’s future; we never give up. We are defined by the courage of an Afghan girl, Bibi Aisha. At 13 she was sold into a forced marriage; when she tried to flee her nose and ears were cut off. She chose to seek justice against the Taliban and show the world her face. Now 18, she has come to America to start a new life. That is how my generation secures its role in America’s future; we never give up. In every generation there is a defining moment. For our parents, it was the day President Kennedy was assassinated. For our older brothers and sisters, it was 9/11. Many wonder: will there be a defining moment for my generation? Is it yet to come?


My answer is simple; it is already here. My generation will forever be defined by how we defeat the terrorists and win the war on terror. That is how my generation secures its role in America’s future. We never give up. It will take all these groups of young adults: from our soldiers fighting on the front lines to college- bound young Americans, working in harmony to solidify our role as the foot soldiers, the first line of defense for America’s future. And so, I offer the following challenge to my generation:...we must support each other. To my college-bound peers I say: remember our brothers and sisters in the military; be aware of their sacrifice and email your Senator to improve the GI bill and ensure better education and job training once our bravest and best come home...Elect those who will protect, honor, and defend America’s interests. We must do this in the name of all those generations before us who have fought and died protecting our country, so that they will not have died in vain. We must do this to honor those of my generation that have given so much and have already made the ultimate sacrifice. Finally, we must do this for that Private from Tennessee. He will not be home for Christmas, he will not see his sister begin her career at West Point; but he will live on as an inspiration for my generation, living and dying to protect America’s future. n


For the complete speech and to listen to this and all the winners, go to to www.vfw.org.


MAY 2010 17 MAY 2011 15


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