 June is Army Heritage Month, centered around the Army birthday on June 14th. The Army was founded in 1775 when the Continental Congress authorized the enlistment of expert riflemen to serve in the American Continental Army. In observing Army Heritage Month and the U.S. Army's birthday, we reflect on a few major conflicts and those who have served across the U.S. Army's 248 years. I am a warrior and a member of a team. I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I stand ready to deploy, engage and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat. I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. I am an American soldier, specialist Ryan Swice, five years plus of honorable service. No one is more professional than I. I am a member of a time-honored corps, which is known as the backbone of the Army. Competence is my watchword. I will exercise initiative by taking the appropriate actions in the absence of orders. I will not compromise my integrity nor my moral courage. I am a non-commissioned officer, a leader of soldiers. Sergeant First Class Jessica Goree, 25 plus honorable years of service. I will exercise the authority entrusted to me by the President and the Congress with fairness, justice, patience and restraint, respecting the dignity and human rights of others and devoting myself to the welfare of those placed under my command. I am a commissioned officer, Major Isadora Guerrero Perez, 22 years of honorable service. I provide leadership, stability and continuity during war and peace. I support and defend the Constitution of the United States and consider it an honor to serve our nation and our Army. I live the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. I am an Army civilian. Dr. George C. Mortos, 22 years of honorable service.