Veterans Are Needed in Politics

There is a direct correlation between the sad state of the Veterans Administration and the shortage of military veterans in Congress. A generation ago, a majority of our national legislators had served in the military. Treatment of veterans was a priority. But with the advent of the volunteer Army, fewer and fewer Americans have joined the military services leading to a declining veteran component in Congress. At present there are only about 100 members of Congress with military experience – out of 435 – and 28 of these served in Afghanistan or Iraq.

​The treatment of veterans is a critical issue and it will receive a higher priority in Congress when more members of Congress are themselves veterans. To be sure, there are many more veterans serving in state legislatures but at that level they have little ability to influence national policies. On the other hand, the veterans in state legislatures are gaining great experience that will serve them well when they seek national office and especially when they win. 

​We need more veterans making laws and policy. The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes fully supports efforts to attract promising talent in the ranks of veterans into politics. It can be a tough challenge, but it isn’t rocket science. One can sign up for advanced training in the quest for public office through Veterans Campaign here: http://www.veteranscampaign.org/workshops/. 

If you or someone you know fits this description, please check in with us. We will do what we can to help you. 

- President & CEO of the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, David Walker