Veterans Day 2024

Thoughts From the Road

I’m in Kansas City for the next couple of days. After spending some time in DC, I’m back in the Midwest, near that illustrious blue wall I heard so much about. (Too Soon?)

Be of good cheer, people. You win some. You lose some. Being in the political wilderness is a fine thing. There will be good, bad, and maybe some horrendous moments, but it will be fundamentally American.

We’ve done mass deportations before: Operation Wetback

We’ve done purges of the government before: President Wilson’s Purge of Black Federal Workers. Link.

We’ve abandoned partners on the battlefield repeatedly: South Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Ultimately, Trump has achieved the greatest political comeback in American history. He sits at the top of the US government with little checks on his power. I know many people are nervous, and rightfully so.

But don’t blame the American voters. Just don’t do it. It’s a very bad look, and it just cements their perception of Democrats as woke elites who just don’t get it.

Instead, go to a Veterans of Foreign War or American Legion today. Go sit around and shoot the shit with some vets. Don’t just thank them for their service. Instead, ask to hear their stories.

I promise you that you will learn something.

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I’m going to see my daughter today. It’s been nearly two months since I’ve seen her. I’m a bit nervous, to tell ya the truth. I know divorce is hard on children, especially those who are neurodivergent.

There’s a little bit of guilt. But, in the end, she’ll adjust and adapt. I’ll always love my daughter. She’ll always be my princess general, and I, her loyal knight.

A Grumpy Combat Veteran Knight and his happy little princess general daughter

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Kate K is My Hero

My BFF,

Kate Kovarovic

, was nominated for a March of Dimes Heroine of Washington Award for her work helping Afghan women, providing mental health support to case managers, and doing her job right here at GCV.

We’re all so proud of her and grateful to serve alongside her.

Kate K unleashed (personal photo)

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The Bulwark

I wrote a little something over at The Bulwark today.

Veterans’ Issues Aren’t Just for Veterans

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Happy Veterans Day

I thank every single veteran for signing up to serve. No matter who you voted for or didn’t vote for, I’m honored to be a veteran alongside you.

GCV is young veteran-civilian start-up dedicated to helping bridge the civilian-military divide. We do that by creating spaces for all GWOT veterans—uniformed, civilians, Afghans—to talk about the war. We hope that by doing this, more civilians will be interested in learning about the wars fought in their names.

Healing America’s civ-mil divide is a grangtuan task. We cannot do it alone. We rely on word of mouth, shares, and even paid subscribers. Your money employs 4 Afghan refugees who work on this site. We also help those left behind and try to bring them to our shores legally.

We appreciate your support in whatever way you can. Paid subscription - $30 a year. Founders-$250. Or you can also buy some of our merchandise.

https://gcvfriendsmerch.creator-spring.com/

Again, it’s an honor to serve alongside you all.

Zmoong Andiwalaan (my people), Happy Veterans Days.