A military mindset is objectively analyzing a planned course of action and anticipating the likely consequences before you take that action.

Every soldier knows this simple fact: If you don't know your enemy, you will not be able to defeat him.

These days, it's often women in uniform - moms, wives, even grandmothers - who deploy and leave their families behind.

I volunteered to deploy to Iraq. I was one of the few soldiers who were not on the mandatory deployment roster - close to 3,000 Hawaii soldiers were.

Through my time in the military and my deployments, I have recognized the importance of having a Commander in Chief who will not only go after those who threaten the safety and security of the American people, but who will also exercise good judgment and foresight in stopping these failed interventionist wars of regime change that have cost our country so much in human lives, untold suffering, and trillions of dollars.

I am privileged to be able to work for the people of Hawaii in whatever capacity.

We cannot afford to walk down that dangerous path of government overstepping its boundaries into the most personal parts of our lives.