As a Marine Corps veteran with 22 years of service under my belt, I never imagined that wearing a T-shirt with a positive message about ending veteran suicide could cause such a commotion. Yet, on a recent Delta Air Lines flight departing from San Francisco International Airport, I was forced to deplane and change my shirt because a flight attendant found it “threatening.” The shirt, adorned with the words “Do not give in to the war within” and “End veteran suicide,” was deemed offensive and posed a risk of annoyance to other passengers – a bewildering and unjustified judgment.
Despite my attempts to explain my service and the meaningful message behind the shirt, the flight attendant remained adamant that I change.… Continue reading
As the world continues to evolve and medical care progresses, so do the rules and regulations that govern different aspects of our lives. Recently, there has been a significant development in the ruling that individuals with HIV cannot be barred from joining the military. An issue that I find both intriguing and perplexing.
Having served in the military and worked closely with medical professionals, I understand the importance of ensuring that all service members are fit to serve in their respective roles. The concerns about individuals requiring reliable access to medication in combat zones are valid and must be taken seriously.… Continue reading
It’s disheartening to hear about the recent news from the Ukraine Ministry of Defense regarding the automatic registration of men aged 17 to 25 as conscripts. The automatic registration system, while not directly leading to immediate mobilization, raises concerns about the potential for future enlistment and military service for these young men. In similar fashion to the U.S. Selective Service system, this move by Ukraine reflects a proactive approach to ensure a pool of eligible individuals in case of a national emergency that requires conscription.
The idea of automatic registration may seem like a bureaucratic process, but it holds a significant weight for those affected, especially in a country such as Ukraine, where the threat of military conflict is present.… Continue reading
J.D. Vance is having a meltdown over questions about his military record, and it’s quite the spectacle. It’s ironic how those who are quick to dish out attacks suddenly become the victims when the same tactics are used against them. It reveals a level of hypocrisy and fragility that is quite telling. The Republican party’s ineptitude is on full display when they resort to deflecting and playing the victim card rather than addressing the issues at hand.
Vance’s reaction to being pressed about his own military service is a clear indicator of his inability to handle the stress of the campaign.… Continue reading
As I read through the conversations and comments surrounding JD Vance’s defense of Donald Trump’s lack of military service, I am left feeling a mix of disbelief and anger. How can Vance, who once compared Trump to Hitler, suddenly turn around and praise him for honoring veterans? The hypocrisy and lack of integrity in his words are truly baffling. Trump’s disrespectful comments about veterans, calling them “losers” and “suckers”, are well-documented. Yet Vance chooses to ignore these blatant insults and instead lauds Trump for his supposed respect for the military. It is a stark example of a politician sacrificing principles for power, willing to overlook despicable behavior in exchange for political gain.… Continue reading
J.D. Vance’s recent ‘Stolen Valor’ claim against Tim Walz is just another desperate attempt from the GOP to tarnish the reputation of a candidate based on their military service. This tactic is nothing new, harkening back to the swift boat attack on John Kerry. But let’s be real here, there is no merit to these attacks against Walz. They are easily discredited and only serve as a distraction from the real issues at hand.
The hypocrisy of Republicans attacking veterans, the very individuals who have served their country, is truly disgraceful. The relentless attempts to cut veteran funding paired with attacking the service of veterans when it suits their political agenda is shameful.… Continue reading
As a veteran, the idea of someone attacking another veteran’s service record for political gain is not only distasteful but downright disgraceful. J.D. Vance’s recent meltdown over questions about his military record is a prime example of the lengths some will go to gain an edge in the political arena. Vance, who served as a public affairs specialist in Iraq, has been quick to tout his service, even going so far as to label himself a “combat veteran.” However, the reality of his role in the military paints a different picture.
While any service to our country is commendable, the distinction between combat and non-combat roles is an important one.… Continue reading
As a veteran who dedicated years of my life in service to my country, the recent news about the government seeking repayment of separation benefits hits close to home. It is disheartening to see that the very government we swore to protect is now turning its back on us when we are in need. The law that prohibits veterans from receiving disability and special separation pay simultaneously is a clear injustice that has affected thousands of veterans in the past decade.
The fact that at least 79,000 veterans have been forced to repay various separation benefits between 2013 and 2020 is a stark reminder of how little value the government places on the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military.… Continue reading
As an individual who is not directly impacted by the recent decision made by the Israeli Supreme Court regarding the mandatory military service for ultra-Orthodox individuals, I find myself both intrigued and conflicted by the implications of this ruling. The exemption that was originally put in place for a select few has now become a loophole for a significant population to avoid their civic duty. The idea that a certain segment of the population can evade military service while others risk their lives for the defense of the nation seems inherently unfair.
The notion that the ultra-Orthodox community sees their full-time religious study as a form of protection for the state is puzzling to me.… Continue reading
As an Israeli citizen, the recent decision by Israel’s high court to order the army to draft ultra-Orthodox men is a long-awaited and necessary step in the right direction. For far too long, the ultra-Orthodox community has enjoyed special privileges, exempt from military service while often being the most vocal proponents of war and violence. It is about time that those who call for bloodshed and conflict are now required to defend the homeland themselves.
The ultra-Orthodox men attend special seminaries that focus solely on religious studies, neglecting crucial secular topics like math, English, or science. This lack of preparation has not only left them ill-equipped for military service but also unprepared to enter the secular workforce.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood