“It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us…that from these honored dead we take devotion to the cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion… that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain…that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom…” Abraham Lincoln, November 19, 1863.

“I am writing this statement only a few days before Memorial Day is observed throughout the United States. What does this day mean to you? To me, it honors men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives so that others may be free. I think of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery and of individuals like Pat Tillman who gave up a career in professional football to serve in the Army. A true American hero, Tillman gave his life while serving in Afghanistan. I think of my friends who served in Vietnam, some of whom did not return. I think of an elderly gentleman in Gaffney, South Carolina that I have come to know and respect tremendously who served in both World War II and Korea. I think of the pilots and support crews from Shaw Air Force Base. I think too of the many young men and women from urban cities and rural communities from across South Carolina that are serving in Iraq today. Why do they do this? Perhaps it is because they have a true purpose in life; a commitment to serving others less fortunate, or the desire to see all women and men living with a new birth of freedom Whatever the reason for their service, we must support them fully.”—Albert Spencer

Upon graduating from college, Albert F. Spencer looked forward to serving his country in the military and to that extent, took the United States Air Force Officer’s Candidates Exam. He passed all phases of the exam, but a knee injury precluded his service. However, he was able to work as a recruiter for the U.S. Army Reserves for three years, 1987-1990, initially as a faculty member at Georgia Military College, and then full-time. Today, two former career military men, Campaign Manager, Oscar Vazquez and Financial Manager, Dave Rilling, work with Albert F. Spencer in the political campaign for United States House of Representatives. Both of these men served their country admirably and have been of immeasurable help in this campaign.

Albert F. Spencer believes the following:

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The United States military must be the strongest in the world and must be first and foremost, peace keepers
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When we must send our troops into harm’s way, we must ensure that they are well-prepared, physically, mentally, and with proper equipment
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When they return to civilian life, our military men and women must be given the respect that is their due and their health care must be top notch
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Veterans must never be forgotten.