I have often heard former military colleagues say that the nation is not at war -- the Army is at war. We have forged a self-perpetuating professional military caste that is largely distinct from the overall population.
This Memorial Day, I give thanks to God for my father, and all those in this country who have worn a uniform and worn it well. "O God, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy."
WASHINGTON -- Lying about receiving a military medal could become a crime, under a bill headed to the president's desk. The Stolen Valor Act cleared ...
The best way to ensure veteran employment, to keep veterans out of poverty, to reduce veteran crime, help veterans maintain their sense of self-worth and stem the rising number of veteran suicides is through education.
We are indeed at a pivot point for the "success or failure of our great experiment" in government." Schools and families must play an essential role in building citizenship and the character of the nation. So too should national service.
I have consistently defended Senator Chuck Hagel, President Obama's choice for Secretary of Defense, against allegations that he is "anti-Semitic," against attacks for his lack of appetite for "elective" wars, etc.
Conservatives have consistently glorified military service, as they should. But now, as Obama nominates a man who has served honorably in combat in Vietnam, the "Hagel Haters," -- many "chicken hawks" themselves -- are disingenuously changing their tune.
I know that Hagel supports solid legal protections for gay families and is personally supportive of gays and lesbians. How do I know this? Because I'm a national-security wonk who happens to be gay and who happens to have interacted with and followed Chuck Hagel for years.
My vote is not a Christmas gift, some toy or clothing item that I'm allowed to play with or wear from time to time. It is learned, informed and dedicated to the self-evident truth that fair and equal citizenship for American men and women is inherent in the American dream.
The U.S. military was engaged in two theaters of war, I was studying global security, and yet I could not think of a single person I knew who was serving -- nor had the thought previously crossed my mind.
For the most part this is to be expected, as Obama has a significant advantage in the youth vote in the general electorate as well, but to see this preference among young service members and veterans may mean that the era when it seemed that Republicans had a lock on the military vote is coming to a close.
One Alabama man who served in Afghanistan is claiming Bank of America violated a law that protects active duty service members from financial hardship...
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Although forcing every private citizen to serve may seem radical and undemocratic at first blush, something must be done to rectify the average American's misplaced patriotism.
This past Sunday, Illinois Congressman Joe Walsh, who never served a day in the military, shamelessly questioned the heroism of his Congressional opponent, Illinois Army National Guard veteran and double amputee, Major Tammy Duckworth.
A New York GOP candidate for the U.S. Senate has included in her stump speech the claim that America's fighting men and women are not risking their li...
Respected for their service and applauded for their sacrifice when they return home, today's veterans are also, in some important ways, deeply misunderstood by the people they fight for.
Every Memorial Day growing up, we would go to the Winnetka, Ill., Village Green where there is a large monument to all the service members who had die...
This Memorial Day, honor those who have fallen in service to the nation. They have given the last full measure and they surely deserve our respect and gratitude. But take just a minute to honor those who fought in our wars and lived. For many, their battles are far from over.
The American sons and daughters who Romney would send to Iran almost surely would not include any of his five strapping lads. Nor, if the past decade serves as an indicator, would the American forces in Iran include many of the children of our nation's political leaders.
Combat seems to do a number on some soldiers' minds--as high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among returning soldiers attest. But a bom...
Congress passed the Stolen Valor Act to protect the reputation of military decorations and honors from false pretenders. Such false representations dishonor the decorations themselves, and diminish the reputation.
When I go to sleep tonight I will say a small prayer for this young airman's safety. But most importantly I'll give thanks to the many young Americans like her who will ultimately shape the future of our nation.
What are you telling your children today about Veterans Day? What do they understand about why they have a day off from school on Friday? How do you explain military service to your young children?
