After I graduated from college and medical school, I volunteered for service in the United States Navy and spent six years as a medical officer.  I am proud to have served my country, and I am proud of the brave men and women who are serving today.

As a nation we must be united against our enemies, whether they are nations or terrorists organizations.  Frankly, I abhor the way modern Democrats in Congress are soft on national defense and how they undermine the morale and the mission of our troops.

I will proudly stand with the men and women who are serving our nation and the cause of freedom.  Fort Polk and Barksdale Air Force Base are mission critical to the defense capability of the United States, and in Congress, I will be the strongest possible advocate for these great military assets.

I will work hard to support the brave American men and women who at this very moment are fighting against our terrorist enemies – the radical Muslims, in Afghanistan and Iraq.

This is not a fight that we started.  This is not war by choice.  Islamic fanatics decided to wage jihad on America.  They flew planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and planned to destroy other targets – either the White House or the U.S. Capitol. 

We must not forget that in a malicious attack they killed over 3,000 innocent civilians.  Given the opportunity, if emboldened by a weak response, if continuously encouraged by irresponsible politicians who blame America first, these diabolic zealots will attack again and again.

When sworn into Congress, I will take a sacred oath, similar to the one that I took when I was sworn into the Navy.  That oath is to defend the United States from all enemies – foreign and domestic.  Count on this:  I will keep my oath.