I wasn't born a United States citizen. I was born a Russian orphan. At the age of 5, I was adopted by two people that I consider angels sent to me by god. They took me into their arms and called me their "son". They raised me to the best of their ability and I know I didn't always make it easy on them. They taught me respect for God, respect for my country, and respect for my fellow man. They taught me to work hard and never give ground in face of adversity. I did it all but I never truly considered myself an American. I joined the Navy in August of 2009 and at that critical moment in time when I was signing my name on the dotted line, I finally understood what it meant to be an American. I signed the dotted line because America is my Home, she gave me a future, a country to call my own, a loving family, great friends, and these things that I have been given are worth fighting for. I may be a veteran now but I will always fight for my country, for my people, for my family, and for my friends. That is what it means to be American.
,
Prince Frederick, MD
