Inspiration? With all that is going on in the world, what do we have to be inspired about? What inspires you?

Lately, the United States has struggled to answer that question. As military members, you and I confront our nation's challenges head on. Aside from our current global conflicts - the Afghanistan conflict, Iran's nuclear ambitions, global terrorism and let's not forget North Korea - we have had some domestic challenges as well. Recently, Hurricane Isaac and Sandy have tasked us to provide crucial airlift of generators and supplies to those desperately in need.

Some of us were affected more personally as our family members lost their homes or even their lives. So I ask again, what do we have to be inspired about?

I'm inspired by you - those who wear the uniform! I'm inspired by your incredible strength and resiliency! I'm not discounting those dedicated patriots who don't serve militarily, but for the small population of Americans who do, I'm inspired. I'm inspired by those, who at a moment's notice, deploy anywhere in the world, knowing that they might miss their child's first birthday or an anniversary. I'm inspired by those who left at a moment's notice to help the East Coast recover from tragedy when Hurricane Sandy struck and helped people they don't even know.

Moreover it's those great Americans who were called on and gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country who really inspire me.

It's Americans like Sgt. Dennis Weichel, 29, a soldier who died this year while lifting an Afghan girl out of the path of a large military vehicle barreling down a road. He is just one of the many American heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

As the nation's military, we are comprised of individuals with different ideals and beliefs. However, with all of our individuality, we always find a way to come together as a whole with one goal and belief that no matter what our challenges are, we know that we have been, and will remain, the greatest country on earth.

We will endure, we will overcome and we will succeed. That is what inspires me.

What inspires you?