If you happen to be following the U.S. presidential election, then you already know there’s been some nasty political warfare between the running mate of former president Donald Trump and that of Vice President Kamala Harris.

It’s all about military service and involves two politicians who are also veterans. Call it the battle of the presidential running mates: Ohio Senator JD Vance (chosen by Trump) versus Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (chosen by VP Harris).

You can read about the dispute in the article below by CNN (also includes video).

This really got me thinking of a beloved veteran in my own family: my late father.

Walz says he’s ‘damn proud’ of military service record amid GOP attacks | CNN Politics

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz defended his military record during remarks in Los Angeles on Tuesday, saying he is “damn…

—

Proud Service

Although I have never served in the military, my late father was a veteran of the U.S. Army, 10th Mountain Division (special explosives…

Proud Service

Although I have never served in the military, my late father was a veteran of the U.S. Army, 10th Mountain Division (special explosives unit).

However, there was never a time in my life that I ever heard dad speak poorly of another veteran or any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Serving his nation in uniform was one of my father’s lasting legacies. His military service inspired me to pursue a career in public service which spanned three decades.

My dad was very proud of his military service — and not just on Veterans Day, but every day.

He taught me at a young age to always show respect and reverence for everyone who puts on the uniform to serve America. That is how most citizens view the military.

Dad always honored ALL servicemen and women, regardless of their rank, length of service, or reasons for leaving (albeit with an honorable discharge).

Flag Draped Coffin

I will always vividly remember my dad’s funeral, in which honor guards draped the American flag over his coffin and played Taps, per standard operating procedures for veterans. Then they meticulously folded the flag into a precise triangle and handed it to me.

That American flag now sits in a display case at home as a reminder of the importance and lasting impact of military service — as dad had taught me.

My father did not see combat, deploy overseas, or even serve for a long time. Nevertheless, those years had a lasting impact and taught him about the significance of respecting and honoring military service and never denigrating the service of another veteran or anyone.

Dad was honorably discharged from the Army in his early 20s as a First Lieutenant. He left the military to run the family business in New York City with my grandfather.

I could never fathom anyone demeaning my dad’s military service for any reason. And no one ever did.

Like so many vets, my dad was most proud on Veterans Day when he wore his 10th Mountain Division veteran shirt from the corresponding military association.

Therefore, like many Americans, I was shocked when Senator JD Vance publicly denigrated the military service of Gov. Walz — and, sadly, for pure political gain in the presidential campaign.
Don’t like ads? Become a supporter and enjoy The Good Men Project ad free

Vance reopens line of attack into Walz’s military record as two veterans now vie to be vice…

Donald Trump’s running mate Ohio Sen. JD Vance stepped up his attacks on Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s portrayal of his…

***

Trump’s Attack Dog

It speaks volumes that JD Vance — a Marine veteran — continues to denigrate Tim Walz’s 24 years of honorable service in the National Guard based on accusations made for political reasons for which there is no concrete evidence.

Among other demeaning language, Vance has said:

“What bothers me about Tim Walz is his stolen valor garbage. Don’t pretend to be something that you’re not.”

Put simply, Vance is nothing more than a rabid attack dog for Trump.

Vance strikes me as an arrogant hypocrite who changes his policy and political positions to suit his ambition. Vance served in the U.S. Marines as a public information officer stationed in Baghdad, Iraq.

Vance played no active combat role during his deployment to Iraq.

In fact, former U.S. senate candidate and Marine fighter pilot, Amy McGrath, has said Vance spent most of his time in Iraq working in an air-conditioned tent.

According to Wikipedia: “McGrath was the first woman to fly a combat mission for the Marine Corps, as well as the first to pilot the F/A-18 on a combat mission. During her 20 years of service in the Marine Corps, McGrath flew 89 combat missions against al-Qaeda and the Taliban.”

That’s why McGrath’s public statements about Vance’s service in Iraq are so credible, influential and illuminating.

Still, Vance talks on the campaign trail as if he’s a decorated combat soldier.

Final Thoughts

Even though my dad’s time in the Army was relatively short, it left a lasting impression on him which helped shape his life in countless positive and profound ways.

I’m grateful he passed along those lessons to me as a young man.

The bottom line is that all military service is honorable, and those who serve, or have served, deserve the nation’s highest respect and admiration.

It’s too bad nobody taught those lessons to JD Vance.