'America cannot be beaten'

Images courtesy: Pete Hegseth

In the summer of 2010, I needed someone to give The Unknown Soldiers blog a chance to succeed at a higher level. Capt. Pete Hegseth, then the Executive Director of Vets For Freedom, stepped up to help.

"Vets for Freedom is thrilled to partner with Tom Sileo and The Unknown Soldiers blog," Hegseth said in a July written statement. "Tom is a top-notch journalist who keeps the focus on the warfighter, telling the stories of service and sacrifice that the mainstream media often ignores. We look forward to amplifying his message, thereby honoring and supporting the troops and their mission."

While I deeply appreciate the support of Capt. Hegseth and Vets For Freedom, Pete is the one who deserves praise. The Bronze Star recipient will soon begin a year-long deployment to Afghanistan with a Stryker battalion from the 25th Infantry Division. With a wife and child at home, a year apart won't be easy on the Hegseth family. But considering all he accomplished after his 2005-2006 deployment to Iraq -- leading a major national veterans organization and pursuing a Master's degree at Harvard -- Pete is poised for a lifetime of success. But before those personal pursuits continue, the volunteer warrior feels he must serve.

"We may not get victory parades — or be given the chance to win on some battlefields – but if we have learned one lesson from our fight, it’s resolve," Hegseth wrote on November 11 in The National Review. "Despite a multitude of military and political mistakes, and the expense of much blood and treasure, we have learned that success can be born of setbacks. Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan know that, with the courage to confront, the flexibility to adapt, and the perseverance to overcome, America cannot be beaten."

Hegseth holds passionate political views, but is setting those aside to carry out the mission set by the commander-in-chief in Afghanistan. Like World War II veteran John F. Kennedy said in his inaugural address, Pete asks not what his country can do for him, but what he can do for his country.

"America’s warriors have answered the call for over 230 years," Hegseth wrote. "The challenge for this generation of veterans — as some continue the fight and others enter the political fray — is to harness our shared lessons to ensure that America’s best days remain ahead."

Because of valiant warriors like Capt. Pete Hegseth, we can still be confident that America will remain a shining city on a hill, as Ronald Reagan was fond of saying. Thank you for believing in my work, Pete. I certainly believe in yours. Stay safe and Godspeed.

Note: Capt. Pete Hegseth plans to periodically post updates from Afghanistan during his deployment. You can sign up for his unique reports at PeteHegseth.com.