Delius Diaries

Freedom isn’t free. Whoever said that was right!!! So, who was it? AI to the rescue:

“The phrase “Freedom is not free” is often attributed to retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Walter Hitchcock of the New Mexico Military Institute. It is also associated with President Ronald Reagan, who used it in a Memorial Day speech at Arlington National Cemetery in 1982. The saying emphasizes that the freedoms enjoyed by citizens in a democratic society are possible due to the sacrifices and risks taken by those in the armed services.”

(grammar reminder, this is not a school paper or legal document so no comments on how I may or may not have cited this quote correctly)

After 21 years in the military and being the child of an Army officer, I have learned from watching others and lived first-hand that Freedom isn’t Free. And while Scott is the soldier, it is a joint operation that is only achievable when the entire family supports the mission. But it starts with A Calling to Serve. This is Scott, a servant that believes in Freedom. And believes that he has the experience, the skill and the fortitude to make a difference. He routinely says “we do what others won’t”, and it’s true. No paper pushing here. He believes in a meaningful impact, making real change and serving those that need help. For those that may not know, he is the man that picks up the homeless, loads them in his car and drives them to a hotel, sometimes hours away, gives them food, shelter and gets them back on the road to life. He answers the call to help. And he’s doing this now on a different platform. 

Ok, ok, so get to the job info. What is the 411? Here is his signature – Defense Advisor to USNATO and Secretary of War Representative – Europe. What’s that mean? I have some intel, but only surface level as the work is highly confidential and Scott doesn’t share it with me, truly. This is a big departure from how we have lived our marriage for almost 23 years. I am still settling into this. 

What I think this means is he is leading the US efforts with NATO to help advance the ideals of Freedom (cap F) with the 31 other NATO countries, and through them, around the world. This happens with diplomacy, relationships, research, long hours and time away from our trio. Like I said, Freedom isn’t Free! It takes work, patience and steadfastness. As conveyed in one of my favorite movies, The American President (yup, I tortured Connor with this romcom this summer), President Andrew Shepherd says “America isn’t easy. America is advanced citizenship. You gotta want it bad, ’cause it’s gonna put up a fight.” 

Advanced citizenship, now that’s something to consider. 

If you want to keep up with details on what is happening with NATO, below are a options to follow:

1. Follow the USNATO instagram page https://www.instagram.com/usmissionnato?igsh=a2YxOG9uN3lrbm5j

2. Follow Scott’s X account https://x.com/usnatodefense?s=21

3. Read more about NATO and its history – https://nato.usmission.gov/