The Truth Is, Americans Are Fighting and Winning

September 01, 2007

There’s a wise old proverb that says, “Confidence is half the victory.” That sentiment was echoed in an e-mail which Lt. Col. Steve Russell received not long ago from a senior Army officer. “Steve, we must have the courage to face uncertainty and danger—all of us, not just some of us. This is the time to have confidence in the principles we profess to live by as Americans.”

Having retired after 21 years in the U.S. Army, Lt. Col. Russell is now speaking across the nation as founder and chairman of Vets for Victory. The Oklahoma native was OCPA’s special guest speaker during our Summer Speaker Series on August 1st. The event was held in the Oklahoma History Center, where a packed house heard Lt. Col. Russell tell about his unit’s involvement in the hunt and capture of Saddam Hussein and the often untold story of the real progress being made in Iraq. His positive and uplifting comments of devotion to country and faith in God were inspiring, as he challenged those in the audience to take his message to others. “When I returned home from yet another war I was shocked at the views as expressed by large numbers of Americans. Even today I reflect on how much harder it is for us as soldiers to bear these burdens without public support. The added stress on soldiers’ families as they are fed a steady diet of disillusionment and defeatism while their loved ones fight or even die is morally reprehensible.”

Both broadcast and print media covered the speech. “The news media did a great job reporting this event,” notes OCPA president Hopper Smith. “They are much more ‘balanced’ in Oklahoma than they are nationally. For that we remain continually grateful.” Many veterans were in attendance and were recognized for their service to their country. Lt. Col. Russell seemed genuinely touched by the enthusiasm of the audience for his important message.

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