Mr. Gregory, 

Last Spring I met you at “Keeping it Country Farms” at a support the troops fundraiser.  I was the 19 year old who had a significant impact in coordination efforts for that project and you and I spoke at length about the challenges our nation is facing. 

I do not know if you remember me, but I remember you, and your candor, character, honesty, and intelligence had a profound impact on me.  I currently attend one of our nation’s six military colleges, and have a 3 year Army ROTC scholarship.  In 3 years I will commission as an officer in the United States Army, and defense cuts are clearly a concern.  I am emailing you because I am training be a soldier because I believe certain principals are worth defending with my life, but force is a last option.

I am by no means an advocate for unnecessary life loss, but will protect my country at all costs.  I believe you to be an honorable man, and want your unvarnished opinion on the current defense cuts, future defense cuts and where you see the military in 6-10 years from now.  I appreciated your complete honesty, and wish to gain a clear picture of where you wish to take our armed forces and myself along with it.

Thank you for your time, and I will look forward to your response. 

Respectfully, 

Our first Commander-in-Chief and first President, George Washington, stated that, "It may be laid down as a primary position, and the basis of our system, that every Citizen who enjoys the protection of a Free Government, owes not only a proportion of his property, but even of his personal services to the  defense of it.

I can conceive of no better career than serving ones country.  The career upon which you have embarked is a most honourable one