--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I've been overtly and covertly serving…" description: "\"I've been overtly and covertly serving America since I started in the armed services.\" — Erik Prince" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/43e/erik-prince-5732_america_i-ve-been-overtly-and-covertly-serving-a_1668657.jpg" --- # I've been overtly and covertly serving America since I… ![“I've been overtly and covertly serving America since I started in the armed services.” quote by Erik Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/43e/erik-prince-5732_america_i-ve-been-overtly-and-covertly-serving-a_1668657.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/43e/erik-prince-5732_america_i-ve-been-overtly-and-covertly-serving-a_1668657.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/43e/erik-prince-5732_america_i-ve-been-overtly-and-covertly-serving-a_1668657.jpg) > “I've been overtly and covertly serving America since I started in the armed services.” [Erik Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-prince/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He claims long‑term service to the United States both openly and secretly. **In simple terms:** He says he’s served America openly and secretly. Key Takeaway Consider the depth of your commitments. Themes service patriotism military Mood defensive pride controversial Type statement political When to use this quote - political analysis - media scrutiny - ethical debate Key Concepts public service covert operations national security Questions to Reflect On - What motivates public declarations of service? - How do covert actions affect public trust? A Different Perspective His claim may be exaggerated or politically motivated. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [America](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/america/) [Armed services](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/armed-services/) ## Related quotes > [I like serving America.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-t-flynn/i-like-serving-america/) [Michael T. Flynn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-t-flynn/) > [With pride and honor, we salute our armed services Veterans. Happy Veterans Day!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/with-pride-and-honor-we-salute-our-armed-services-veterans-happy/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I was a member of the Armed Services Committee for 18 years. I spent a big chunk of my life studying national security issues…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-kasich/i-was-a-member-of-the-armed-services-committee-for-18-years-i-spent-a/) [John Kasich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-kasich/) > [Memorial Day this year is especially important as we are reminded almost daily of the great sacrifices that the men and women of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robin-hayes/memorial-day-this-year-is-especially-important-as-we-are-reminded/) [Robin Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robin-hayes/) > [“In fact, the Nazis did not have a euthanasia program, in the proper sense of the word. Their so-called euthanasia program was not motivated…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-singer/in-fact-the-nazis-did-not-have-a-euthanasia-program-in-the-proper/) [Peter Singer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-singer/) > [As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a retired Flag Officer, I understand how critical it is to keep the military…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronny-jackson/as-a-member-of-the-house-armed-services-committee-and-a-retired-flag/) [Ronny Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronny-jackson/) > [There shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harry-s-truman/there-shall-be-equality-of-treatment-and-opportunity-for-all-persons/) [Harry S. Truman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harry-s-truman/) > [When Hillary served in the Senate, I saw her work day and night as a member of the Armed Services Committee - working with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/madeleine-albright/when-hillary-served-in-the-senate-i-saw-her-work-day-and-night-as-a/) [Madeleine Albright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/madeleine-albright/) > [As the Pentagon makes plans for the largest troop rotation since World War II, I will work with the Armed Services Committee to help…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-rogers/as-the-pentagon-makes-plans-for-the-largest-troop-rotation-since/) [Mike Rogers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-rogers/) > [I have a lot of experience dealing with classified material, starting when I was on the Senate Armed Services Committee going into the four…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hillary-clinton/i-have-a-lot-of-experience-dealing-with-classified-material-starting/) [Hillary Clinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hillary-clinton/) > [On the whole our armed services have been doing pretty well in the way of keeping us defended, but I hope our State Department…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eleanor-roosevelt/on-the-whole-our-armed-services-have-been-doing-pretty-well-in-the/) [Eleanor Roosevelt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eleanor-roosevelt/) > [The House Armed Services Committee is critically important not only to America's security and future, but also to the people of Texas' 13th Congressional…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronny-jackson/the-house-armed-services-committee-is-critically-important-not-only/) [Ronny Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronny-jackson/) > [“Truman knew that government employees deserved fair procedures and asserted that his loyalty program would provide them. But he nonetheless expanded an already flawed…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-t-patterson/truman-knew-that-government-employees-deserved-fair-procedures-and/) [James T. Patterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-t-patterson/) > [There's a statement from several members of the Senate, both Democrats and Republicans, including the Democratic leader, Charles Schumer; John McCain, the chair of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-stephanopoulos/there-s-a-statement-from-several-members-of-the-senate-both-democrats/) [George Stephanopoulos](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-stephanopoulos/) > [Certainly in the United States, you have a constituency in the form of the weapons laboratories, and you also have the branches of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-burroughs/certainly-in-the-united-states-you-have-a-constituency-in-the-form-of/) [John Burroughs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-burroughs/) ## More by Erik Prince > [We now know that gun-free zones, though well intentioned, do not prevent attacks.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-prince/we-now-know-that-gun-free-zones-though-well-intentioned-do-not/) [Erik Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-prince/) > [The video game industry is constantly evolving. The sheer creativity matched with cutting-edge technologies gives me the comfort that innovation is alive and well…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-prince/the-video-game-industry-is-constantly-evolving-the-sheer-creativity/) [Erik Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-prince/) > [Blackwater's work with the CIA began when we provided specialized instructors and facilities that the Agency lacked. In the years that followed, the company…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-prince/blackwater-s-work-with-the-cia-began-when-we-provided-specialized/) [Erik Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-prince/) > [Video games are an exciting medium. The creativity of design, the technology and the interaction represent the best of American innovation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-prince/video-games-are-an-exciting-medium-the-creativity-of-design-the/) [Erik Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-prince/) > [There are some phone calls where it's not even worth wasting the electrons on.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-prince/there-are-some-phone-calls-where-it-s-not-even-worth-wasting-the/) [Erik Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-prince/) > [Why should I pay for business? Fly coach, you arrive at the same time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-prince/why-should-i-pay-for-business-fly-coach-you-arrive-at-the-same-time/) [Erik Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-prince/) > [America is a great nation, but it cannot spend blood and treasure endlessly.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-prince/america-is-a-great-nation-but-it-cannot-spend-blood-and-treasure/) [Erik Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-prince/) > [You pretty much remove the entire political texture from Blackwater when you come to China. What they look at is our 100 per cent…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-prince/you-pretty-much-remove-the-entire-political-texture-from-blackwater/) [Erik Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-prince/) > [Limited government is best.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-prince/limited-government-is-best/) [Erik Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-prince/) > [In Joe Yorio you find a guy who's smarter at business than I am. I'm an entrepreneur and idea guy; he's a professional businessman.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-prince/in-joe-yorio-you-find-a-guy-who-s-smarter-at-business-than-i-am-i-m/) [Erik Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-prince/) > [One of the real core competencies of Blackwater, or companies like Blackwater, is we can operate in difficult places without any outside support.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-prince/one-of-the-real-core-competencies-of-blackwater-or-companies-like/) [Erik Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-prince/) > [I'm painted as this war profiteer by Congress. Meanwhile I'm paying for all sorts of intelligence activities to support American national security, out of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-prince/i-m-painted-as-this-war-profiteer-by-congress-meanwhile-i-m-paying/) [Erik Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-prince/) > [I'm an American working for America. Anything we do is to support U.S. policy. You know the definition of a mercenary is a professional…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-prince/i-m-an-american-working-for-america-anything-we-do-is-to-support-u-s/) [Erik Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-prince/) > [Our failed population-centric approach to Afghanistan has only led to missed opportunities, which is why Afghanistan depends on donors for 90% of government revenues.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-prince/our-failed-population-centric-approach-to-afghanistan-has-only-led-to/) [Erik Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-prince/) > [President Trump should appoint a special presidential envoy and empower them to wage an unconventional war against Taliban and Daesh forces, to hold the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-prince/president-trump-should-appoint-a-special-presidential-envoy-and/) [Erik Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-prince/) [Explore all 100 Erik Prince quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-prince/) ## More America quotes > [The costs of the Bush-Obama wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are now estimated to run as high as $4.4 trillion - a major victory…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noam-chomsky/the-costs-of-the-bush-obama-wars-in-iraq-and-afghanistan-are-now/) [Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noam-chomsky/) > [Young men, especially in America, write to me and ask me to recommend “a course of reading.” Distrust a course of reading! People who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-lang/young-men-especially-in-america-write-to-me-and-ask-me-to-recommend-a/) [Andrew Lang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-lang/) > [Well, The Day the Earth Caught Fire was a story... I don't if anybody knows what it is but it was about... in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/val-guest/well-the-day-the-earth-caught-fire-was-a-story-i-don-t-if-anybody/) [Val Guest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/val-guest/) > [So here's what I want you to know, and here's what I want all our men and women in uniform to know: Because of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barack-obama/so-here-s-what-i-want-you-to-know-and-here-s-what-i-want-all-our-men/) [Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barack-obama/) > [Today, the world looks to America for leadership. And America looks to its Corps of Marines.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/today-the-world-looks-to-america-for-leadership-and-america-looks-to/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [The image of blacks usually is one of people who are suffering from hunger, unemployment, and poverty. The idea of them as agents and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/grace-lee-boggs/the-image-of-blacks-usually-is-one-of-people-who-are-suffering-from/) [Grace Lee Boggs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/grace-lee-boggs/) > [ I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. \[salutes\] ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-hicks/i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumors-i-ll-die-deal-thank-you/) [Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-hicks/) > [America is a democracy and has no Hitler, but I am afraid for her future; there are hard times ahead for the American people,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-einstein/america-is-a-democracy-and-has-no-hitler-but-i-am-afraid-for-her/) [Albert Einstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-einstein/) > [I'm gonna bring America together.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-trump/i-m-gonna-bring-america-together/) [Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-trump/) > [In the nineteenth century some parts of the world were unexplored, but there was almost no restriction on travel.:; Up to 1914 you did…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-orwell/in-the-nineteenth-century-some-parts-of-the-world-were-unexplored-but/) [George Orwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-orwell/) > [We need a system that serves our needs, not the needs of others. Remember, under a Trump administration it's called America first. Remember that.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-trump/we-need-a-system-that-serves-our-needs-not-the-needs-of-others/) [Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-trump/) > [America, you're sending girls a mixed message. On one hand, you're saying to have positive body image and love who we are; on the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adora-svitak/america-you-re-sending-girls-a-mixed-message-on-one-hand-you-re/) [Adora Svitak](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adora-svitak/) > [You live overseas, you see these exotic places and you want to know about them. But, weirdly, it also made me homesick for all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ken-jennings/you-live-overseas-you-see-these-exotic-places-and-you-want-to-know/) [Ken Jennings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ken-jennings/) > [Freedom in every sense but primarily political sense, a rise in repression that stems from a repression of sexuality. It's AIDS, it's herpes, it's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-nicholson/freedom-in-every-sense-but-primarily-political-sense-a-rise-in/) [Jack Nicholson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-nicholson/) > [“In American terms, the accomplishment of Genghis Khan might be understood if the United States, instead of being created by a group of educated…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-weatherford/in-american-terms-the-accomplishment-of-genghis-khan-might-be/) [Jack Weatherford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-weatherford/) [Browse all 20,382 America quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/america/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I've been overtly and covertly serving America since I started in the armed services.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Erik Prince" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-prince/i-ve-been-overtly-and-covertly-serving-america-since-i-started-in-the/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "America" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-prince/i-ve-been-overtly-and-covertly-serving-america-since-i-started-in-the/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/43e/erik-prince-5732_america_i-ve-been-overtly-and-covertly-serving-a_1668657.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/43e/erik-prince-5732_america_i-ve-been-overtly-and-covertly-serving-a_1668657.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/43e/erik-prince-5732_america_i-ve-been-overtly-and-covertly-serving-a_1668657.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I've been overtly and covertly serving America since I started in the armed services.” — Erik Prince", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Erik Prince", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-prince/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "I've been overtly and covertly serving...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-prince/i-ve-been-overtly-and-covertly-serving-america-since-i-started-in-the/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-prince/i-ve-been-overtly-and-covertly-serving-america-since-i-started-in-the/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```