Beyond the Battlefield: How Army Service Strengthens American Society
When my father, a World War II Army veteran, learned I had decided to attend West Point, his eyes conveyed a deep pride that words alone could never fully express. He instilled in me a strong work ethic and love of country. As a child, when I asked him how I should answer if someone asked if I was Italian, he firmly replied, “You’re an American.” His words captured a powerful truth I came to fully appreciate through my own military service: while the Army’s stated mission is to defend our nation and win wars, its true value extends far beyond the battlefield. It has long served as a source of social mobility, individual growth, loyalty to nation and community, and leadership development—benefits deeply woven into the fabric of American society.
Soldiers and officers from every corner of the country, representing a patchwork quilt of races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds, live and work together toward common missions, learning mutual respect and understanding. I saw the personal growth in my soldiers, peers, and fellow West Pointers attributable to their service experience. The Army equips individuals with a wide range of work and career skills that not only benefit them but also positively impact society. Training and experience in diverse fields brings veterans with specialized skills back into civilian industries, government, and community organizations. The Army’s emphasis on discipline, responsibility, loyalty, and resilience become integral to an individual’s character, affecting how they interact with others and their broader social engagement.
Many of my West Point classmates have risen to the top of professions and organizations in and out of government. In the Class of 1969 alone, we have generals, medical doctors, lawyers, judges, brilliant engineers, teachers, scientists, CEOs, COOs, an Astronaut, an Ambassador to Germany, and a transcendent college basketball coach. In the Army these men developed and honed skills in problem-solving and critical thinking; leadership and teamwork; discipline and work ethic; adaptability and resilience; selflessness; and civic participation. These skills have significant societal impact, spreading exponentially among colleagues, mentees, students, and others they encounter. The skills and values not only enhance individual career paths but also strengthen the workforce and foster innovation, productivity, and a commitment to the greater good.
Hurrah to the U.S. Army at 250!
Thank you for making our nation safer, stronger, and better.
Ralph,
Well done. Nice article, my mother, nee Buonomano, also instructed her children faithfully that the proper answer to what ethnicity you are, is “I am an American.”.
Jim
Thanks Jim. Our parents were amazing and earned the description of greatest generation.
Thank you for your article Ralph! One of the reasons I went to West Point was that I saw how grateful my parents were to be able to come to America. My father always said “they didn’t have to take us.”. God bless you.
Bob
Bob-
Yes, we were both blessed with loving, courageous parents and the opportunity to grow up in America. Like your father, my dad was a bricklayer. He served in the combat engineers in the Pacific theater.
Thanks for your article. It is a privilege to be your classmate and friend.
Ralph
Thanks Bob.
We were both blessed with courageous and loving parents. Like your father, my Dad was a bricklayer. He served in the combat engineers in the Pacific theater in WWII.
Thanks for your article. It is a privilege to be your classmate and friend.
Ralph
Dear Ralph:
Very well said! And in a special Rev War Army birthday salute: Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah! “Character is Key for Liberty!”
Best regards & BOTL,
Bill
Thanks, Bill. Huzzah!
Great article, Ralph, and a very well written and wonderful tribute to the Army! Thanks for being a part of this effort.
Thanks Ray. Loved your article as well.
Well-written article Ralph! It accurately captures the impact that the Army has on its membership, which translates into positive actions within society. Much like America is a melting pot, so does the Army.
Thanks Denis. Your tribute was terrific as well. Thanks for writing it. So good to be a member of the Class of ‘69.
Ralph, there are many examples of organizations which make the experiment called the United States of America 🇺🇸 a globally recognized leader, but few if any can claim to be 250 years old.
Your tribute does the USA justice.
Thank you. 🙏
Thank you Stewart. Much appreciated.