There are a lot of stories about dedicated men and women who are deploying to Iraq.  One of our other bloggers posted recently about the 72 year old grandmother who is deploying to work for AAFES.  Today's story is about a soldier who, approaching the 30 year limit mark for service, has requested that he can stay in uniform for an extra year, in order to complete a year-long deployment to Iraq with his unit. 

The reason that this particular soldier is getting so much press is that he happens to be James Jordan, the older brother of Michael Jordan.  However, his statements reflect an independant man who is a very dedicated soldier.  "We are currently at war,“ Jordan said before the unit started shipping out Sunday. “We are doing things, and it requires leaders to do certain things. That's what I am, a leader."  Jordan, the oldest member of his brigade as well as its most senior NCO, also stated, “If you don't believe in selfless service, you are not going to make it in this business.”

As for the notion of retirement?  “I've been doing this by myself for so long, being my own person, being my own soldier,” he said. “I'm going to continue doing it the same way until the day I feel like I need to hang it up, not when they feel like I need to hang it up.”

Command Sgt. Maj. James Jordan is a true soldier.  We salute you, and all the others like you who wear the uniform, for your dedication and service.  May your leadership inspire others and may you have a safe deployment.