You were born free by accident. You live free by choice. To die free is your responsibility.

Who is affected more when it's cold? Poor people. Who is affected more when it's hot? Poor people. Who is affected more when it's wet? Poor people. Who is most affected when the economy is bad? Poor people. Poor people are the most fragile.

During the aftermath of Katrina, National Guard troops were positioned on every block to establish a sense of safety and source of help for the people in need. They did not leave communities until people were safe and sound.

Leadership means forming a team and working toward common objectives that are tied to time, metrics, and resources.

If I'm a leader, I have a mission.

The National Guard has served America as both a wartime force and the first military responders in times of domestic crisis. Hundreds of times each year, the nation's governors call upon their Guard troops to respond to fires, floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters.

Hurricane Sandy was one of the most vicious storm systems to hit the New York City area in nearly two centuries.