...as someone who grew up as you did--dad was career navy (from Georgia)- i received some of the same ideals....only in america, yadda yadda yadda. But as someone who has worked for the federal government for ten years, in a very influential department, i have learned this:

the US produces enough resources to clothe, house, feed, educate and provide basic health care for each citizen.....substantial assistance to poorer countries AND compete successfully on the world market up against the EU, Japan and other countries

yet....

we still have the homeless, childen who cannot read, etc.

among the world community, we are not seen as just some big power, we are seen often as the bully of the world community.

In theory, America is almost infallible. In dreams, it is utopia.
But in reality....