I'm a veteran and a minority as well. It's great knowing more than 1 language because I can claim a different country that speaks my language as my own to avoid the negative association of being an American.
I also get discounts speaking my native tongue compared to white folks who come blaring in disrespectfully.
As a veteran I disagree with the war criminal comment just as I disagree with you saying you should serve before judging.
People who join are split into thirds; a third are actually drunk off the Kool aid who believe the USA is God's endowment, a third are there because lack of economical opportunities back home, and the last third are trying to get out of their shit situation, whether it be near homelessness or abuse.
It's by design from the government to make us citizens desperate enough to sign our lives away for a chance to have our heads above water.
Government is more interested in using your body as a meat shield than educating you.