Tom Deierlein Called to Active Duty Army Nov 13, 2005

Originally published: November 11th 2005

A friend of many in the media and advertising community, Tom Deierlein of Dynamic Logic, was recently called to active duty. On Veteran's Day, his story resonates and is important reading for us all. Most importantly, when I asked Tom for permission to reprint the e-mail he sent to colleagues advising of his pending departure, he replied, "Reality is setting in and I am actually honored, proud, and excited about this opportunity to serve my country once again. I am going for a 4 mile run this afternoon. Gotta get in shape. Caveat - I don't want this to turn into a 'I can't believe they are doing this to people' article, but rather an article about selfless service and American patriotism." He requested that I include the Ranger Creed with this article, a request I am honoring.

All,

I didn't want you to hear it through the grapevine. When I got home from the MPA Weds night, there was a packet of military orders in my mailbox.

No joke. I am being called up to serve for 545 days reporting first to Fort Jackson and then to Fort Bragg and then likely to Iraq. Yes, I guess it has gotten so bad they are calling up 38 year old, beer bellied has beens. Basically, 4-6 months of training and a one-year tour.

I have been in the IRR (Individual Ready Reserve) for 12 years. I haven't been associated with any unit or been a part of any training what-so-ever. I haven't had a uniform on since Oct of 1993, so, I never imagined that this would happen. Aside from a medical exam or two, and an outside chance that Uncle Sam comes to his senses, it looks like I need to take a leave of absence from Dynamic Logic.

I have the full support of Hiwot, my fiancé and something told me not to fight this but rather to embrace it and go ahead and serve my country with honor, dignity, and pride. Therefore, unless my medical exams turn something up, I need to start getting my affairs in order. As many of you know, I am a West Point Grad and used to be an elite solider (Airborne Ranger), I guess it is time to take off my business suit, don my Army uniform, set back the clock and become that solider again.

See if you can find me in this 1990 photo: Fort Benning Army Photo I've attached the Ranger Creed for those interested.

Thanks, Thomas J Deierlein CPT, Infantry, US Army tomdeierlein@hotmail.com

RANGER CREED

Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers.

Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster, and fight harder than any other soldier.

Never shall I fail my comrades I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some.

Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.

Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.

Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.