Words by Lt. Col. Allen West
Texas – -(AmmoLand.com)- Greetings, everyone!
I recently enjoyed being with my family on Father’s Day and watching our oldest daughter, Aubrey, complete her second Master’s degree in four years, earning the title of Physician Assistant.
At the end of July, we will gather to watch our youngest daughter, Austen, graduate from Florida International University with her Bachelor’s degree. From the time I held them both as little infants — hence the reason I choose life — I have dreamed of this future for our girls.
Now, many have wondered what my personal future shall be, and, when publicly asked, I have responded with the wise words of King Solomon:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” — Proverbs 3:5-7 (NIV)
Now, many have wondered what my personal future shall be, and, my next steps politically. Here’s an announcement of sorts to assist with the answer.
Funny thing, there have been some who have said that is a “political answer.” I think not. Then again, I could always just consult with that incredible sage and self-proclaimed oracle, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. After all, in her finite wisdom, and knowledge, she has predicted that our world will end in 12 years. I beg to differ, as we all know that the world will not end until my Tennessee Volunteers football team beats Alabama, goes undefeated, and wins the college football national championship. It last happened 22 years ago . . . We are due!
All jokes aside, many of you have admonished me to return to active political life. Probably the most forthright directive came from one of my former bosses, retired Marine Lieutenant General “Buck” Bedard who flat-out said to me, “Hey, Warrior, get your ass back into the fight!” Spoken like a true Marine Corps Infantry Commander, and General. One cannot disobey a direct order such as that!
I came back to Texas in December of 2014. My last duty station in my Army career had been Ft. Hood, Texas. I left there in March of 2004. I’m proud of my 22 years of service in my Army, and to our nation.
If someone had told me that I would end up being a member of the United States Congress, representing South Florida, I would have ROTFLMAO, but it happened. If someone had told me that a Republican majority in the state of Florida, Senate President Don Gaetz and Speaker Will Weatherford, along with Gov. Rick Scott, would sign into law a redistricting that forced me out of the congressional district I was honored to represent, I would have said that is not possible. When confronted with concrete evidence of voter fraud and election results manipulation in St. Lucie County, if you had told me Attorney General Pam Bondi would do nothing, I would have said “impossible.”
But, through it all, we learn to trust in God’s wisdom, His direction, and we press on!
When the policy center I came to Texas to lead folded, due to the incessant meddling and backbiting of its disgraced previous CEO, John Goodman, I could have ranted, “God why did you bring me to Texas?” When faced with a former veteran, a liar, who embezzled funds from the policy center, a fella by the name of Josh Galloway — who was caught and sentenced to prison — I could have become dejected and depressed.
No, I believe that you must fix your eyes firmly upon God:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28 (NIV)
I always encouraged soldiers to know their daily “task and purpose,” and I share the same advice, counsel, with you all. As for me, well, my purpose is in the title of my first book, Guardian of the Republic. The oath of office that I took on July 31, 1982, is something I take to heart, quite seriously, with no mental reservation or purpose of evasion.
So, here I am in Texas, where I came, not to seek any political office, however, there is a calling. Folks have called upon me to consider three opportunities here in this next election cycle: run for US Senate, run for US Congressional District 32 (where I have lived since moving to the Dallas area), or run for Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas.
I find myself shaking my head at all the politicos who are calling around — even calling me personally — to ascertain what God’s plan is for my life.
Of course, there is a fourth option: do nothing. However, I do not want to end up like Jonah. After all, later this week, I am heading to Cayman Brac for my annual Dive Pirates trip. I don’t wanna find myself in the belly of a fish, LOL.
Therefore, God has laid it upon my heart the direction He would like me to explore. My wife, Angela, and daughters Aubrey and Austen have consented and agreed, and are on the same sheet of music. It is important to have their support. So, on the evening of July 3rd, during a live YouTube event, I will let y’all know the opportunity that I will endeavor to pursue. I will also follow it up with a written statement, as well.
I will follow LTG Bedard’s orders and get back into the fight. However, I know how ugly this all can be. Not just with the progressive socialists, with whom I welcome an ideological fight, but those who would claim that they are on “my side.” Of course, that reminds me of these emboldening verses of scripture:
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.” — Isaiah 54:17 (NIV)
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” — Romans 8:31 (NIV)
Some of you reading this missive may say, “Doggone, Colonel, spare us the Bible lesson!” But, I can’t do that, folks. This is the foundation of who I am, and I ain’t denying Him, and risk Him denying me. Furthermore, when this is all said and done, the praise, honor, and glory will not go to me. At that time, y’all will remember this missive, so that it all goes to God, and not man, ever.
Why share my decision on July 3rd? It’s simple: the following day is our Independence Day, and it honors this America, this Republic for whom I have given my life to serve. I will inform y’all as to how I will continue the next chapter of service to God and Country.
I wanted to lay this all out for you, not just to know what I am thinking, but as an encouragement. We never know how God will use any situation for our good. I see too many who seek to fill an empty space in their hearts with drugs, alcohol, and material gains. There are many of us who shy away from the tough callings, seeking to avoid the road less traveled, trials, and tribulations. We only grow stronger through adversity and we should never be risk-averse, just ask for God’s guidance.
Remember Romans 5:3-5 (NIV):
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Go out — carpe diem — do as Alexander the Great once claimed, “fortune favors the bold. ” The motto of the British SAS says, “Who Dares, Wins.” I will be as Teddy Roosevelt spoke of, “The Man in the Arena,” and endeavor to achieve great things, not for me, but for my country, for Texas, and for my family.
Hey, I love y’all, seriously, even those sad pathetic souls who call themselves progressive socialists. After all, someone has to save them from themselves, poor mindless lemmings. One of my favorite maxims in life comes from US Army General Joe Stillwell, “Illegitimis Non Carborundum.”
Yes Sir, LTG. Bedard, your favorite Army Doggie is going back into the fight!
Steadfast and Loyal!
Allen West is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army. Mr. West is a Senior Fellow at the Media Research Center to support its mission to expose and neutralize liberal media bias and is an author of the book from Brown Books Publishing Group, “Hold Texas, Hold the Nation: Victory or Death” available on Amazon. Read more from Allen West at www.theoldschoolpatriot.com .
Mr West, this post and your sentiments about others who you mock is extremely Christian of you and I hope Texas votes for you anywhere it is a feasible option. Thank you so much!! PLUR
Sir,
Please say your are going to challenge that Republican surrender monkey John Cornyn…..I will vote for you….
God and I had a long conversation about why he did not allow YOU to be my first black president! He had bigger plans for you!
Good luck brother and we will always have your six!
Ready and willing to be an Allen West “Vol” Volunteer. God Bless you and God Bless America as you throw your name in the hat to save this great country!
Nothing is a coincidence. You have gone to Texas for a reason. Though we could use you in Nevada.
We in Arizona have your back!
Godspeed and God Bless, Colonel!
Semper fi!
Another honorable man who realizes that his oath of loyalty does not have an expiration date. Drive on, sir!
Sir, (as an e5 it is my duty , and honor to refer to you as, Sir!) As a brother in the Lord , as well as in arms, I was delighted to see your anouncement through ammoland.com. As a former resident of inside the beltway, I want to warn you of the lack of common sense you will find yourself surrounded by. Please remember, no matter how frustrating it will get in gov. , when you walk with the Lord ,he is right beside you. When we lift up our hands to Him, sometimes it’s high five lord, sometimes… Read more »
Lt. Col. Allen West, Sir I am not from Texas.I am from North Carolina and I currently have no desire to move. It is my home and so far it is not nearly as stupid as New York , New Jersey, and California .But I sincerely wish for you to know that I would vote for you to serve in any public office in this state, especially Governor, if you were to run, also any other national office in this country that you desire, I will gladly vote for you.There are not many intelligent people running for office in this… Read more »
AMEN I also would vote for, and follow him into all “battles”.
Update?
See the video above. Happy 4th!
With all due respect and great admiration LT. Col. West…Not good enough! We…America needs you as President. There is no other option! There is not one “politician” in this land with honor, integrity, moral fortitude, courage, ethics, faith in GOD, or patriotism that is equal to you! But as I say “politicians” , I do not include you in that bunch! You are a statesman who puts our nation first! I apologize if I sound over exaggerated in my plea for your run at the Presidency, but I do believe in my heart that we gravely need you, and you… Read more »
Sir,you are on a small list of men id consider to be equal to George Washington in leading patriots to restore liberty
Ill be watching you tube on the 3rd and stand ready to do what must be done.i never had the honor of serving in the military because they didn’t like my eyesight,but id have considered it a honor to follow you into war or peace.
I would knock on doors for this guy. Wish he could be MY rep or senator. Maybe he could run for some other office someday soon where I COULD vote and campaign for him. Hmmmm
This Christian and Marine has your six. Grace and peace, LTCOL West.
Good to hear you’re returning to the field. Thank you for sharing what is in your heart and on your mind.
And, also, thank you for the words of scripture. It is good to remind us what God has to say.
Even through you are army, I still give you a hearty Semper Fi!
AMEN. May GOD go with you and protect you. I will pray for you.
Liberalism is a cancer, it must be attacked, dug out, cut out, burned out or it will metastasize throughout the body as a whole and the USA is the body! We need more great warriors to fight it on a legislative and judicial level. We are losing more and more cities to the liberal agenda because people want things for free until that rooster comes home to roost.
Amen….
Sir, Have you traveled to the East?
I am not sure what your plans are but I hope it is on a federal level. This nation is on a suicide path and without the right kind of leadership and courage we are doomed. I believe you would be the right person for the job but I am afraid we are being overran and outnumbered by outside and inside forces. The liberals are hell bent on turning the people of this nation into their slaves. Our only hope is people like you with the courage to take them on. Gods speed and good luck Alan.
Even though you were in Florida and I am in Montana, I supported and followed what you were doing in the House. I will do the same as you decide what to do in TX. Please, please don’t let it be that TX Republican thing.
What do you mean by “That Texas Republican thing?” Rob?
Col. West, this old, bloodstained Marine warrior is on your Six, and as we embrace our Oath to the very end, we fight to win. We are in the Arena, and not as timid souls, for we know better. Semper Fidelis.
I am so terribly disappointed. Col. West why didn’t you come to Vermont to help us rid ourselves of these flaming liberals and leftists? Texas is already basically a Repub state. Come up here and help us turn things around! We need you here! That’s an order from an old Navy puke!
No, in the last year, Texas has turned purple.
Must be the influx of “Refugees” from California and New York.
You’d think the lemmings would have left their voting policies in the places that they had just watched them destroy wouldn’t you…..
That depends on why they left Kalifornia. If it was for financial gain, they will be taking the liberal agenda with them. IF it was because they are sick and tired of the Kalifornia Republik’s policies, then they will be joining conservatism.
As one of the second groups of people, I’m proud to support the conservative life style.
Where’s the “thumbs up” button?! We miss LTC West here in S. FL!
This is exciting! Mr West has our support from Texas!
I applaud your decision and the process you used to get to it. I will support you and thank you for your continued service to our country.
I’m trying to survive living in Smellinois, but I will support you with what little money I have left after J.B. gets done digging through my pockets.
LTC. West 2024
Agreed!
The two anti Americans, JoJo and mallory, have taken much from our country but I wonder how much, if any, they put back.
Glad to hear this wonderful news. From the broward 1013 as I told you there going to Washington was real bravery!!!
Although I would like to see him run against John Cornyn and win, the Republicans need to take back the House. Replacing Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson would work, for me.
SIR; if I lived in Texas I would be reporting for duty to assist you in your endeavors. Gerry Owen Sir.
Thank you for your service Mr. West. Thank you for being bold in your faith in spite of the naysayers who don’t respect the godly men and women who founded our country. We need more men and women of sincere faith in DC. It’s sad that in a nation founded on biblical principles we have so many godless people who’s only legitimate holiday is April 1st. You have my endorsement, my support, and being 1/2 Texan and 1/2 Tennessean and a resident of Florida, I will campaign for you where ever you decide to run! I won’t wish you good… Read more »
Sir, should you choose to run for the US Senate against our current senior senator, my family and I will gladly support you.
@CPT James, Thank you for your service, and I concur. Here in Texas. Cornyn is up for re-election, so the timing is right. Cornyn is an elitist and no friend of firearms or the common person. My check book is open to support LTC West.
There is no American this old Marine admires more than Lt. Col. West. Whatever you decide, sir, my checkbook and vote are here for you.
Marines love a good fight and getting his Army buddy back in the fight is what good warriors do.
LTG. Bedard sees his fellow warrior, Lt. Col. West, as the hand of God and a power to be dealt with.
“A good chief gives, he does not take.” – Mohawk
It’s about time. God won’t let you hide from your calling.
I prefer a man who depends on himself and his comrades rather than God.
Trust not in Kings and princes!
We’ve got your back! Charge on!
My sword is yours, sir. I served under General Bedard in 3/7 a “few” years ago. Semper Fi!
Amen, Colonel. Whatever your decision, you will have the love and backing of this Texan.
Well, he’s obviously running for something. No one but a politician would use so many words to announce the fact that they’re going to announce something.
Sir, I look forward to your July 3 announcement and hope it is that you will once again run for elective office.
We don’t yet know what you intend to do so it remains to be seen how we can help you Col. but thank you for the heads up. Thank you for your service, your courage and your faith. In a time when so many of the people who purport to be public servants are nothing more than self serving narcissists your faith and service separate you from that drivel. We have confidence that we can count on you, please know that what we can do to help you, we will.
Thank God. We need this man in the fight.
Go get em Colonel and GOD Bless you.
ALAN WEST FOR PRESIDENT 2020 !
2024…
Sir I and others eagerly await your decision on 07/03/2019. I know God is leading you to hour path and that to datejt has been convoluted and fraught with troubles and tribulations. But as the man you are and has always been you came through standing on your feet. I eagerly look forward to your travel upon your pathway, as I am sure you will succeed in your endeavors. I could have only wished they would have centered on Florida but that alas is selfish of me as I live there.. Truly though I look for great things from your… Read more »
Hooah!!
Who cares?
@Hose "A", If you do not care about a man that put his life on the alter of freedom for you, then you are an ingrate or a fool. You would do well to try to live up to the example that LTC West has set.
Where did he do that, exactly? Did he land in normandy? Or did he plead out a torture charge?
Joey jojo Why does it matter that he was not in the d-day landing. He served , did you ? When someone serves they raise their right hand and take an oath that in effect says that they will protect our country , our people ,our way of life from all foes both, foreign and domestic. If you served thank you , if you didn’t, don’t show disrespect to those that were willing to pay the ultimate price, so that you can enjoy your freedom. If you did serve, that oath still stands. I took my oath on march 21… Read more »
@joeyjojo, What have you done to serve the nation? Im guessing nothing. If you had you would have respect for a soldier.
He put his life upon the alter of self enrichment. My freedom was never in Iraq or Afghanistan. So he did nothing to defend my freedom. West’s example is of a welfare queen getting fat and happy off the sweat of the taxpayer’s brow.
@church Mallory,
Your words prove your full ignorance of the military, what it takes to succeed in the US Military, what’s the US Constitution requires of All American citizens, and quite frankly your words clearly convey that you have no understanding concerning the concepts of honor, integrity, and honesty!
You are a prime example of someone who demands all the benefits of American citizenship, but you have zero understanding of the commitment to keep Freedom alive in our nation!
Shame on you for your cowardice and willful ignorance!
I believe that LTC West received the bronze star twice in Opn: Desert Storm.
@ chrissy mallory, Whatever LTC West received from the Army he earned with sweat, blood and sacrifice. An endeavor a gold brick would never comprehend.
@church Mallory
You talk like a fool and assume that freedom is free. In the military you do as commanded or be a “Yellow Coward”. You live in a small world if you are so naive about the costs that the military puts upon your alter. Think like a man and not as a child. What have you done for your country?
You should, you fool. Every citizen of this country should care about what’s happening in America.
A lifelong welfare queen just looking to suck up more money from the taxpayers. Go away, West. Do something productive with your life instead of living off the sweat of the taxpayer’s brow.
To paraphrase:
It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to write a comment that removes all doubt.
Hey Mallory when are you leaving this country that the rest of us love? Go back to what ever toilet you were flushed from.
Good luck Colonel and may God Bless you.
You wouldn’t last through the first week of basic training, much less a combat tour, yet you sneer at one who has fought battles for two decades.
You’re not worthy of standing in his shadow.