All around the nation and all over the world, people are demanding the blood of the people responsible for last week’s attacks, but who is brave enough to dive headfirst into hell and do the job?

Nations are pledging their support and the goal is clear, but how much are we as a people willing to bleed for our convictions and our way of life?

As an Army Airborne Pathfinder who has served for nearly 11 years and has been there and done that, I know what it means to put it all on the line and to risk life and limb for a vague political ideal.

The so-called “War on Drugs” was a joke.

However, ending terrorism and anarchy is far from being a vague political cause.

At the same time, I am also aware as only a soldier can be of the price that must be paid in order to enforce my nation’s political will.

This will not be an antiseptic war of the type America has become accustomed to over the past three decades.

Remote-controlled guided missiles and pilots who never see the enemy will simply not cut it this time.

Soldiers such as myself will have to face the enemy on his home ground and follow him into his hiding places.

We will look him straight in the eye and then have the courage to take his life with bullet, blade or even with our bare hands.

I fully expect to lead men into battle and see my buddies die in order to protect American freedoms.

I am willing to risk death or dismemberment in order to keep those I hold dear safe.

We soldiers do these things not for honor or glory or even for a handful of shiny ribbons.

We do these things because our society and way of life is worth any price we may be called upon to pay.

We will go not as bullies, conqueres or opportunists. Rather we will go as defenders of freedom and liberty.

My spirit is buoyed up by thoughts of the woman I love and my willingness to die in order to protect her from the faceless evil that threatens her from across the sea and a far away land.

When the call to arms finally sounds, patriots like I will answer, fully knowing we may die lost and alone in a god-forsaken hole far from home.

We will go because this land and its people are worth fighting for.