History and war are cruel pedants. Those who know too little of the former are likely to have too much of the latter.

In my first book, Under Fire, I wrote that I revered Ronald Reagan. That was a dozen years ago. I still feel that way. I think he changed the world for the better for my children and my children's children.

Heroes aren't athletes who set new sports records, or Hollywood actors who make 'daring' films or politicians who make bold promises. Heroes are people who place themselves at risk for the benefit of others.

Bill Clinton is not my Commander in Chief.

I haven't, in the 23 years that I have been in the uniformed services of the United States of America, ever violated an order - not one.

I know the difference between right and wrong, and I can tell good from bad. But I also know that the more difficult decisions come when we have to choose between good and better. The toughest calls of all are those we have to make between bad and worse.

I came here to tell you the truth, the good, the bad and the ugly.