A new poll reveals that former President Donald Trump enjoys a lead over Vice President Kamala Harris among veterans, active service members, and their families. While Trump’s support has decreased since 2016, he still holds a significant advantage, particularly among veterans. The poll highlights the ongoing influence of Trump among this demographic and raises questions about his potential impact on the 2024 election.
On the third anniversary of the deadly Abbey Gate bombing during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, former President Trump participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, while Vice President Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, issued a statement but did not attend any public memorials. The event highlighted the contrasting approaches to honoring the 13 U.S. service members killed in the chaotic withdrawal, with Trump actively engaging with the families and criticizing the Biden administration’s handling of the situation, while Harris focused on her foreign policy record and support of veterans without mentioning the withdrawal’s shortcomings.
Veterans Guardian, a leading VA benefit claims consulting firm, has joined forces with the Black Veterans Empowerment Council (BVEC) to provide comprehensive support and advocacy for veterans, particularly those from underserved communities. This strategic partnership aims to address the unique challenges faced by Black veterans and ensure they have access to the benefits and opportunities they deserve.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has condemned former President Donald Trump for comparing the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award, to the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a civilian honor. Trump’s comments have sparked backlash from veteran advocates, adding to a recent string of controversial actions and statements from the former president.
Lt. Col. Scott Mann, a veteran of the Afghanistan War and author of ‘Operation Pineapple Express,’ shares his deeply personal account of the moral injury inflicted on veterans by the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. He emphasizes the profound impact on veterans’ mental health and calls for accountability to help them heal and restore America’s standing in the world.
The HERO Act, signed into law by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, includes a provision to establish a psychedelics working group dedicated to investigating the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin and MDMA for veterans suffering from mental health conditions. This move highlights the growing interest in exploring alternative therapies for veterans’ mental health and the potential of psychedelics in treating conditions like PTSD.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering whether to approve MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This decision could be a significant moment for the future of psychedelic medicine, particularly for veterans who have reported significant relief from their PTSD symptoms using MDMA-assisted therapy. The FDA is expected to make a decision by August 11th, and the impact on veterans and the healthcare system could be profound.
Republican Nevada Senate candidate Sam Brown is facing criticism from his Democratic opponent’s campaign and the Nevada Democratic Party for promoting his book about his recovery from war injuries. They accuse him of using the book as a way to line his own pockets. Brown, a retired Army captain, has vehemently defended his book and criticized the attacks as disrespectful to veterans.
President Biden, who has never served in the military, claimed to have been ‘in and out of battles’ while addressing military service members and their families at the White House’s Fourth of July Barbecue. This drew criticism from veterans groups, who pointed out that his claims were inaccurate and disrespectful. The groups also highlighted the need for a commander-in-chief who will prioritize the needs of veterans and the military.
Former President Trump has endorsed two military veterans, Derrick Anderson and Laurie Buckhout, in their bids to flip House seats from Democratic to Republican control. Anderson, a former Army Green Beret, is running against Rep. Abigail Spanberger in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District. Buckhout, a former Army colonel, is challenging incumbent Rep. Don Davis in North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District. Both candidates highlight their military experience and criticize the current Democratic administration, emphasizing their commitment to American values and conservative policies.
