Why the FBI?

I don't remember my father ever telling me that I owed my life to my country. I don't remember being forced to stand at attention and salute the flag when the national anthem was sung. I don't even remember learning the words to the Pledge of Allegience. It seems like I've always had a deep-rooted sense of loyalty and duty to my country. Growing up, it would anger me when people would slouch or talk or wear their hat during the national anthem. As a child I knew that America was the greatest nation on the earth, and if she ever needed me, I would do my utmost to protect her.
My father served in the U.S. Air Force for 16 years; and though I have always been immensely proud of his service, the plan for my life did not include military duty. I was going to go to college to become an intellectual. I was thankful for the men and women who had fought for my freedom, but I was also content to live my life a safe distance behind the line that their sacrifices had drawn. My patriotism had somehow become...intangible.
In the fall of 2005, I went to Washington D.C. on business. I worked long hours through the week, but was given free time on the weekends to travel and sight-see. I remember standing outside the Washington Monument gazing at the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, and the WWII memorial—I realized that it took more than the dedication of our founding fathers to build this city. And it took more than their devotion to forge our country. Freedom is not bought by mere words or good intentions. It is purchased only with sacrifice, commitment, and blood.
Standing there on that crisp November morning, staring at the Washington Monument climbing high and strong against the pale blue backdrop, I wondered where I had been on September 11th, 2001? Where had I been while my fellow Americans died in the Gulf War? Where had I been while countless soldiers had shipped off to Iraq? And then it struck me that I had been here…saluting my flag, cursing our enemies, and thanking our soldiers. I had been here. Very safe, and very comfortable.
The following spring I applied for the FBI. Hopefully, I’ll undergo Phase II testing in June.