Ripon Forum Veterans Day Special Edition 2023 by The Ripon Society

V E FI T FT SP E R H AN EC A NU IA N AL LE S DI D TI ON A Y

“A LIFE OF SERVICE SHAPES MY WORLDVIEW” Mariannette Miller-Meeks discusses her career in the military and her job on Capitol Hill

Veterans Day 2023 Volume 57, No. 5

ON THIS WE AGREE

With American politics polarized, a look at Republicans and Democrats who are working together to help our veterans and keep our nation secure.

Mike Bost

Mark Takano Tony Gonzales

Jason Crow

Plus: “What Veterans Day Means to Me” with essays by Jake Ellzey, Mike Garcia & Jen Kiggans www.riponsociety.org

$6.95 U.S./$7.95 Canada

We’re on a Mission to Support Veterans and Military Families When you’re a United States veteran with more than 40,000 organizations trying to help you, it can be tough to find the right information. That’s why AARP connects veterans and military families to community programs and provides free, tailored tools for family caregiving, fighting fraud, finding meaningful employment, and accessing military service benefits.

Find out more at aarp.org/Veterans AARP is proud to support the Ripon Society.

“Ideas that matter, since 1965.“ Volume 57, Number 5 Viewpoints — “What Veterans Day Means to Me”

Politics & Perspective

Putting Veterans at the Center of Their Care By Darin Selnick If the VA won’t implement the MISSION Act, Congress must step in.

Beyond the Uniform By Rosalinda Vasquez Maury, Jeanette Yih Harvie & Adam Pritchard A look at how veterans are shaping the civic and political landscape heading into the 2024 election.

Veterans in the White House: A Brief History of Presidents Who Served By Caroline Banaszak Of the 45 men who have served as President, 31 previously served in uniform, as well.

Housing First Does Nothing to Solve the Homelessness Crisis By Ben Carson & Andy Barr Despite spending billions of dollars, the number of homeless individuals has continued to rise.

“A Time to Reflect on the Privilege, Service, and Sacrifice of Veterans.” By Jake Ellzey Veterans Day is our opportunity to celebrate and thank those who served honorably and returned to build their lives as our fellow citizens.

“Live Everyday According to Their Values: Duty, Honor, and Service...” By Mike Garcia More military virtue is needed in Washington. Unfortunately, there are some who seemingly care more about their party than their country.

“A Life of Service is One That is Well-Lived.” By Jen Kiggans It is critical that we remember those who have fought for our values and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of all we hold dear.

Cover Story 10

Working Across the Aisle for America’s Veterans By Mike Bost & Mark Takano The Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee have put politics aside to fulfill the promise President Lincoln made to veterans, their families, and their survivors. Bridging the Partisan Divide for Our Veterans and National Security By Tony Gonzales & Jason Crow In these highly polarized times, Republican and Democratic veteran members of the For Country Caucus are working together to keep America secure and help those who served. Publisher The Ripon Society Jim Conzelman, President Editor Lou Zickar Deputy Editor Caroline Banaszak

Advertising Coordinator Danielle Wagner

Editorial Board Thomas Tauke Erik Paulsen Billy Pitts Pamela Sederholm Jim Murtha John Feehery Sara Glenn

Debate — “Should the VA be Privatized?” 30

No, the VA Assists Veterans in a Way the Private Sector Cannot By David Shulkin

Yes, Privatization will Protect Servicemembers and Honor Veterans By Michael Cannon

Sections 3 33 36

In this Edition News & Events Ripon Profile of U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks

One Year Subscription: $40.00 individuals $15.00 students

The Ripon Forum (ISSN 0035-5526) is published by The Ripon Society. The Ripon Society is located at 1155 15th Street, NW, Ste. 550 Washington, DC 20005.

Comments, opinion editorials and letters should be addressed to: The Ripon Forum, 1155 15th Street, NW, Ste. 550, Washington, DC 20005 or may be transmitted electronically to: louzickar@riponsociety.org.

Postmaster, send address changes to: The Ripon Forum, 1155 15th Street, NW, Ste. 550 Washington, DC 20005.

In publishing this magazine, The Ripon Society seeks to provide a forum for fresh ideas, well-researched proposals, and for a spirit of criticism, innovation, and independent thinking within the Republican Party.

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

ANY CONNECTION CAN CHANGE THE WORLD As a global leader in sensor and connector technology, we’re committed to unleashing the potential of every connection. By empowering engineers to solve today’s toughest challenges, we’re engineering a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected world for all of humanity. Learn more at te.com/everyconnectioncounts

We proudly support the Ripon Society, as well as our military veterans and their families in our TE Connectivity Veterans Group.

THE RIPON SOCIETY HONORARY CONGRESSIONAL ADVISORY BOARD U.S. Senators: Shelley Moore Capito – Senate Co-Chair Todd Young – Senate Co-Chair Marsha Blackburn Bill Cassidy, M.D. Susan M. Collins Steve Daines Joni Ernst Deb Fischer John Hoeven Jerry Moran Mike Rounds Thom Tillis Roger Wicker U.S. Representatives: Larry Bucshon, M.D. – House Co-Chair Frank Lucas – House Co-Chair Mike Kelly – Vice Chair Dan Newhouse – Vice Chair Ann Wagner – Vice Chair Mark Amodei Kelly Armstrong Don Bacon Troy Balderson Andy Barr Stephanie Bice Mike Bost Vern Buchanan Michael C. Burgess, M.D. Ken Calvert Mike Carey Buddy Carter Tom Cole John Curtis Tom Emmer Ron Estes Brian Fitzpatrick Randy Feenstra Andrew Garbarino Kay Granger Garret Graves Sam Graves French Hill Bill Huizenga Bill Johnson Dusty Johnson Dave Joyce John Joyce, M.D. Young Kim Darin LaHood Bob Latta Julia Letlow Nancy Mace Brian Mast Kevin McCarthy Michael McCaul Carol Miller John Moolenaar Blake Moore Jay Obernolte August Pfluger Guy Reschenthaler Cathy McMorris Rodgers Steve Scalise Adrian Smith Lloyd Smucker Pete Stauber Bryan Steil Glenn “GT” Thompson Mike Turner David Valadao Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. Steve Womack

In this edition

With American politics polarized and America facing an increasing number of threats around the world, the 5th Annual Veterans Day Special Edition of The Ripon Forum shines a light on a group of Republican and Democratic leaders who are working across the aisle to take care of our veterans and keep our nation secure. The leaders include U.S. Reps. Mike Bost (IL-12) and Mark Takano (CA-39). Bost is a Republican who serves as Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, while Takano is a Democrat who serves as the Committee’s Ranking Member. In a joint op-ed for this Veterans Day Special Edition, the pair write about their cooperative efforts to help those who served — efforts which they note are a continuation of their work together in the last Congress when Democrats were in control. “While we swapped who strikes the gavel at the start of each congressional hearing this year,” Bost and Takano write, “our Committee’s mission for veterans and their families has remained unchanged. In the 118th Congress, our Committee is focused on conducting vitally important oversight of VA’s implementation of the PACT Act, to ensure that this landmark expansion of healthcare and benefits delivers for the over three million eligible veterans and their families. We’re going to continue to hold VA to that promise.” Two other leaders writing for this Special Edition are U.S. Reps. Tony Gonzales (TX-23) and Jason Crow (CO-6). Gonzales, a Republican, and Crow, a Democrat, serve as Co-Chairs of the bipartisan For Country Caucus, which, the pair explain, is: “a group of 30 veterans from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force who didn’t see the end of their military careers as the end of their service to this country. Having taken the same oath, we have an immediate sense of understanding and trust. We came to Washington with a commitment to put aside party differences and get work done, even in the toughest of times.” According to Gonzales and Crow, this work includes trying to “ensure food security, address military housing transparency and accountability, expand parental leave for certain servicemembers, and make it easier for military spouses to secure employment.” The group also played an active role in making sure our allies were taken care of following the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. “We saw the people who served alongside us, people we had promised safety for working with us, now in grave danger,” the pair write. “We expedited the process for Afghan translators and interpreters to escape the Taliban and led efforts to pass the Afghan War Commission Act. Our work isn’t done.” In addition to the op-eds by the bipartisan leaders of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee and For Country Caucus, this edition also includes a series of essays by veteran/lawmakers Jake Ellzey (TX-6), Mike Garcia (CA-27), and Jen Kiggans (VA-2) discussing their own military service and what Veterans Day means to them. In other pieces, Darin Selnick, a former advisor to the VA Secretary and currently a senior advisor at Concerned Veterans for America, examines the failure of the Department to implement the MISSION Act five years after its passage, and why Congress may need to step in. Rosalinda Vasquez Maury, the Director of Applied Research & Analytics at the D’Aniello Institute of Veterans and Military Families, looks at how veterans are shaping civic and political landscapes heading into the 2024 election. This includes 96 veterans currently serving in Congress, and over 120 veterans who are running as non-incumbent candidates for the U.S. House and Senate next year. In another essay, Forum Deputy Editor Caroline Banaszak looks back at the 31 Presidents who served in uniform, and how their military service shaped their political career. Former HUD Secretary Ben Carson and U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (KY-6) examine the current Housing First policy to end homelessness and why this policy is a failure. Former Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin squares off in a debate with Michael Cannon of the Cato Institute about privatizing the VA and how this could impact the quality of care America’s veterans receive. And in the latest Ripon Profile, U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-1) looks back on her 24-year career in the military, and explains why a lifetime of service shapes her worldview. We hope you enjoy this 5th Annual Veterans Day Special Edition of The Ripon Forum, and encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Lou Zickar, Editor louzickar@riponsociety.org RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

Viewpoints

What Veterans Day Means to Me...

“A Time to Reflect on the Privilege, Service, and Sacrifice of Veterans.” by JAKE ELLZEY In the United States, we set aside two distinct days to honor mission, at home or abroad, in peace or war. For most, it those who have served in our military. Memorial Day is the day meant long, hard, and ultimately satisfying days. Flying we recognize those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving helicopters and fighter jets was fun, but there were hours of in the military. Veterans Day is our opportunity to celebrate and preparation and debriefings before and after each mission. thank those who served honorably and returned to build their The time in between was spent on the necessary (but lives as our fellow citizens. seemingly endless) inspections, reports, and maintenance Veterans Day, for me, is a time to reflect on the Privilege, work required to keep our aircraft flying and taking care of Service, and Sacrifice of Veterans the young Sailors who made of the United States Armed it all happen. Forces. Our Veterans entered the Our service members military from different places and make sacrifices for the experiences, but they each know privilege of service, and no what a privilege it was to protect two sacrifices are the same. and represent the United States Some paid the price in combat at home and abroad. They each just short of those who we volunteered to serve their nation. celebrate on Memorial Day, And they and their families all suffering debilitating physical sacrificed something during their and mental wounds they will time in the military. carry for life. Others, like I spent 20 years on active me, lost friends in combat duty as a pilot in the United States and training mishaps. Every Navy and loved every minute of Veteran sacrificed time Commander Jake Ellzey it. It was my childhood dream to away from their families fly helicopters and fighter jets, and loved ones that they can and it was an honor to do so in never get back. But it was I spent 20 years on active duty as the defense of our nation. Each the unwavering support of a pilot in the United States Navy day, I marveled at the privilege of their families and loved ones working with my superiors, peers, that enabled our Veterans and loved every minute of it. and subordinates, every single to experience the privilege, one a volunteer. It’s one of those service, and sacrifice of things that can be hard to understand if you haven’t experienced being in the armed forces in the first place. it. So, on this Veterans Day, you will find me with my As the Air Boss on the USS Ronald Reagan, I was wife and children, enjoying the privileges and freedoms our responsible for over 500 of the ship’s youngest Sailors, many Veterans defended and making up for some of the precious just out of high school. Watching them quickly and safely move time I lost with them while standing the watch. RF aircraft around a crowded aircraft carrier flight deck could amaze, inspire, and enrage me all at once. I was amazed at their Jake Ellzey represents the 6th District of Texas in the U.S. skill in taxiing an aircraft so close to the deck that its nose was House of Representatives. A graduate of the U.S. Naval over the water; I was inspired by their positive attitude after 12 Academy who rose to the rank of Commander, he served hours of grueling work on a hot flight deck, and I was enraged at as a fighter pilot and completed his service as the Air the occasional Sailor who would violate safety rules by walking Boss on the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier. In his 20 too close to a jet intake. years of service, he was deployed nine times, including to I think of the “service” part of military service as the work Afghanistan and Iraq, and served five combat tours, four by each Veteran did to plan, train for, and accomplish their assigned air and one by ground with Seal Team 5. 4

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

What Veterans Day Means to Me...

“Live Everyday According to Their Values: Duty, Honor, and Service...” by MIKE GARCIA

Today, on Veterans Day, we honor those who uniform: Protecting my fellow soldiers and bettering honored our country with its highest form of service. our nation. That mission is all-important, and I’ve We owe our thanks, respect, and freedom to these done everything in my power to recommit Congress brave men and women. But this gratitude is grounded to that work. in something greater than what our veterans did on Our military is in the middle of a recruitment and duty – it’s an appreciation of the example set by our retention crisis, and military morale and readiness are veterans after their service has ended. at the lowest levels since World War II. Simply put, This is an example we we need to do more for our need more of today as our soldiers and their families. nation continues to grow more That’s why two years polarized. It’s the example of ago I introduced the a military that meets every Military Spouse Licensing mission as one, united team. Relief Act to ease the burden And it’s the example of a on our military families. veteran who, when they take This bill will allow military off their uniform, still serves spouses to cross-deck their this country in everyday life professional licenses across with the same sense of duty state lines, whether they’re and honor. We can all learn a realtor, nurse, teacher, or from this example, and it’s any other profession. And I one that’s especially needed couldn’t be more proud to today in the halls of Congress. say that after passing both It most likely doesn’t the House and Senate, my Lieutenant Commander Mike Garcia come as a surprise to hear bill was signed into law the share of veterans serving by President Biden earlier in Congress is near a record this year. This is a win I believe some more military low. I believe some more for our military families, virtue could go a long way in military virtue could go a national security, and local long way in Washington: communities who are in Washington. Unfortunately, Duty, honor, and, perhaps need of these there are some who seemingly desperate most importantly within qualified professionals. care more about their party the context of Washington, This year, I was also D.C., patriotism over party proud to secure the highest than their country. politics. Unfortunately, there pay raise in American are some who seemingly care history for our junior more about their party than their country. enlisted servicemembers. The military relies on I wasn’t recruited to Congress by the political young Americans to sign up amid many other career machine. I ran for office for the same reason I joined opportunities. It’s unacceptable these brave men the Naval Academy and flew F/A 18 Super Hornets off and women – who are willing to make the ultimate of aircraft carriers in the defense of our nation -- a call sacrifice in the name of our freedom – are making less to serve the country we love. than fast-food workers in my home state of California. And while I believe an effort to put more veterans This year’s Defense Appropriations bill now in office is important and positive, I’m committed to guarantees that every single soldier in our military continuing the mission that began during my time in makes at least $31,200 a year. But let me be clear: RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

This victory is not a cure-all to the ongoing crisis in down. We will not let them down.” military recruitment and retention. It’s a much-needed Now let’s get to work and continue fighting to step in the right direction – and our warfighters and protect those veterans – those patriots – who have their families have my done so much to commitment that I’ll protect us. RF never stop fighting for I ran for office for the same reason I them – but there is still Mike Garcia represents so much work to be done. the 27th District joined the Naval Academy and flew There are no words of California in F/A 18 Super Hornets off of aircraft to express our gratitude the U.S. House of and admiration for our A carriers in the defense of our nation: Representatives. veterans. But we can graduate of the Naval A call to serve the country we love. take the opportunity Academy, he saw on this Veterans Day combat operations to remember their gift during the first six to us, and we can live everyday according to their months of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and values: Duty, honor, and service to the country we participated in over 30 combat sorties in the skies love. above Baghdad, Fallujah, and Tikrit. He would go on President Reagan once said, “We can offer them to accrue over 1,400 hours of operational flight time no better tribute than to protect what they have won over the course of nearly 20 years of military service for us. That is our duty. They have never let America to our country.

WE P RO M I SE

TO BRING OUR BEST TO THOSE WE SERVE With a firm conviction to serve America’s men and women in uniform and their families, we’re proud to support continued improvement in our communities. Let’s get better… together.

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

What Veterans Day Means to Me…

“A Life of Service is One that is Well-Lived.” by JEN KIGGANS

I grew up in a home where we flew the flag above the invisible wounds of war was truly a privilege and enabled me to garage door every day. My Dad, who served as a United States hear many stories of sacrifice and service from some of the most Army Green Beret in Vietnam and later served in the Army patriotic Americans I have ever met. We owe them a debt that Reserves, would salute the flag when he came home from a drill can never be repaid. weekend in his uniform. He took my brother, sister, and me to It is important now more than ever that we continue to share veterans’ cemeteries on Memorial Day to attend remembrance these stories with our younger generations. It is disheartening to ceremonies, and more than once we visited the Vietnam me that our next generation of leaders is growing up in a world Memorial in Washington, muddied with groups who DC, and made rubbings of his wish to influence them with friends’ names who had died unpatriotic sentiments. We in that war. must continue to educate our It was only natural that youth on the cost of freedom when it came time for me to and the value of military service choose a path in life that I, in our great nation. Veterans too, stepped up to serve our are best suited to provide that great nation as a United States education by sharing their tales Navy helicopter pilot. I met of deployments, sea stories, and my husband, who flew F/Abattle sagas. 18s, in flight school, and we The world continues to now have children who serve be a dangerous place. As we in the Navy. I spent some watch conflicts unfold in places of the best years of my life like Ukraine and Israel, I am on missions, some in harm’s reminded how critical it is for Lieutenant Jen Kiggans way, with military members us to attract motivated young who became like family to men and women to serve in me. A life of service is one our all-volunteer force. A life It is critical that we remember those of service in the military is that is well-lived. who have fought for our American Veterans Day is a time amazingly rewarding. Not when we pause to thank those only are the benefits unmatched values and those who made the who have stepped up to serve in the civilian world, but the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in and to protect the greatest gratification of serving on a defense of all we hold dear. gift we have been given: to great team that protects and live and raise our families defends our American values is in a free and safe country. a job like no other. The freedoms we enjoy are not free and it is critical that we As the country pauses on this Veterans Day to honor remember those who have fought for our American values and Americans who have served, I would like to echo the appreciation those who made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in defense of my military friends and colleagues who have been a part of of all we hold dear. our incredible military and the families and civilians who have When I got out of the Navy after ten years, I went to supported them. We remember their service and are thankful for nursing school on my GI Bill and became a Geriatric Nurse their sacrifice, not only on Veterans Day but every day. RF Practitioner. I was able to serve my country again by taking care of so many members of our Greatest Generation who were Jen Kiggans represents the 2nd District of Virginia in the U.S. veterans. There was always an instant trust between myself as a House of Representatives. She spent 10 years in the U.S. Navy, healthcare provider and my patients when we shared that bond where she served as a pilot flying H-46 and H-3 helicopters and of service. Taking care of those who suffered both visible and completed two deployments to the Persian Gulf. RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is the primary national trade association for home, auto, and business insurers. APCIA promotes and protects the viability of private competition for the benefit of consumers and insurers, with a legacy dating back 150 years. APCIA members represent all sizes, structures, and regions—protecting families, communities, and businesses in the U.S. and across the globe.

IN THE UNITED STATES The insurance industry contributed more than $664.6 billion to the nation’s GDP (2.5%).1

PROPERTY CASUALTY INSURERS PROVIDE:

JOBS to more

than 443,000 employees across the country.2

WAGES totaling more

than $46 billion, which help to drive the U.S. economy.2

APCIA IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE RIPON SOCIETY 1.

U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Q4 2022, all insurance carriers and related activities.

2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021.

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

Cover Story

ON THIS WE AGREE

With American politics polarized, a look at Republicans and Democrats who are working together to help our veterans and keep our nation secure.

Mike Bost

Mark Takano Tony Gonzales

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

Jason Crow

Working Across the Aisle for America’s Veterans by MIKE BOST & MARK TAKANO

Since the founding of our great nation, selfless men combat over the last two decades, as well as recognizing and women have raised their right hand to serve and de- the exposures of our never forgotten Vietnam-era veterans, fend America’s guiding principles of life, liberty, and the and others. But we’re not slowing down. pursuit of happiness for all, no matter what it takes. These While we swapped who strikes the gavel at the start servicemembers agree – without hesitation – to become a of each congressional hearing this year, our Committee’s shepherd for these values, to defend the Constitution, and mission for veterans and their families has remained unto give their own lives in changed. In the 118th Condefense of freedom for their gress, our Committee is fofellow Americans. We can cused on conducting vitally never forget that the debt we important oversight of VA’s owe these men and women implementation of the PACT can never fully be repaid. Act, to ensure that this landThis truth is why – as mark expansion of healththe Chairman and Ranking care and benefits delivers for Member of the U.S. House the over three million eligiCommittee on Veterans’ ble veterans and their famiAffairs – we go to bat on lies. We’re going to continue their behalf and fight daily to hold VA to that promise. to fulfill the promise PresiWith this massive bendent Lincoln made to vetefits expansion comes a new erans, their families, and group of veterans who are eltheir survivors in 1865. igible for VA benefits, which While we swapped who strikes Our Committee oversees is a good thing. Unfortunatethe delivery of healthcare, ly, however, this presents the the gavel at the start of each disability, and burial bencongressional hearing this year, our opportunity for veterans to efits by the Department of be charged when navigating Committee’s mission for veterans Veterans Affairs (VA). Our the process of filing their VA nation’s veteran community claim, despite assistance beand their families has remained represents the very best of ing available to them free of unchanged. America – sons, daughters, charge. Congress will take moms, dads, neighbors, and action soon to protect veterfriends from all walks of life – and they have earned a VA ans and their families, and ultimately put more money in that works with them and delivers the very best care and the pockets of the men and women who earned each and services that it can. every dollar of their benefits. We have made significant bipartisan progress over Our Committee is also focused on expanding economthe past decade to enact legislation that has reshaped the ic opportunity for veterans when they hang up their unidelivery of care and services at VA to: expand veterans’ form for the last time. Veterans should be empowered and healthcare options to get them the care that works for them, able to go out into the civilian world and attain the career where they live and when they need it; modernize the they want or the education and training they need. We’ve availability and delivery of education benefits; and expand both heard firsthand that the transition from “active-duty cost-free mental health care options on a nationwide scale. servicemember” to “veteran” can be tough for a lot of vetMost recently, President Biden signed into law the Honor- erans, especially our junior troops. This is why our Coming our PACT Act, the largest expansion of healthcare and mittee is working hard on a bipartisan basis to hold both benefits to our post-9/11 warfighters who were exposed DoD and VA accountable to ensure that the services and to toxic substances through burn pits and other hazards in programs in place, like the Transition Assistance Program 10

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

On this Veterans Day, we encourage you to celebrate (TAP), and the SkillBridge internship program, are not just the service of your fellow Americans – our volunteer fightgrowing, but also easy to navigate. We want to ensure that ing force – from the Union soldiers, to the Tuskegee Airmen, no veteran slips through the cracks and falls into homelessthe Army Nurse Corps, the Greatest Generation, from Korea, ness, substance abuse, or a mental health crisis during, or Vietnam, to the Middle East, and everywhere in between, who any time after, their transition from military service. Our have and will continue to walk into the face of evil so that we continued broad oversight to hold VA accountable will can continue to enjoy the lay the foundation for the freedoms we hold so dear. future of VA so that it can While they will never ask keep up with today’s and We will keep working to ensure that for it, they deserve your uttomorrow’s veteran commost thanks. veterans can easily access the healthmunity. All of these efIf you or a veteran forts put action behind the care and benefits they have earned. you know is struggling ‘thank you for your serwith thoughts of suicide, vice’ we so often hear. please reach out to the VetThe two of us come erans Crisis Line for free, comprehensive support and services from different sides of the aisle, and while we don’t always 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by calling 988 agree on every issue, we recognize that this discourse is and pressing 1, or texting 838-255. RF what makes our democracy great, and what allows us to put politics aside, iron out the details, and find common ground to get the job done. Veterans are at the core of our Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., is a Marine Corps veteran and serves mission and, for each and every one of them, we owe them as the Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, nothing less. We will keep working to ensure that veter- and Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., serves as the Ranking Memans can easily access the healthcare and benefits they have ber of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in the U.S. House of Representatives. earned.

Chairman Mike Bost and Ranking Member Mark Takano visit with active-duty servicemembers working overseas at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center during a recent congressional delegation trip to Germany. (Photo courtesy of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs)

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

Bridging the Partisan Divide for Our Veterans and National Security

Members of the bipartisan For Country Caucus served America in uniform. Now, they are working together to serve America in Congress. by TONY GONZALES & JASON CROW

There’s an innate level of understanding and mutual respect work together to ensure that even in these highly polarized times, between veterans. We’ve put the mission and often our safety our nation passes thoughtful, bipartisan legislation regarding before self-interest. We’ve worked and fought alongside men veterans, military quality of life, and national security. and women of different beliefs with whom we bonded over a One of our earliest successes since the For Country Caucus shared commitment to the American people. The military taught was founded in 2019 was passing legislation establishing a us service above self, teamwork, and the ability to work under Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall. pressure. These are the values we bring to Washington, D.C. Many of us served in the Global War on Terror (GWOT), our Together, we Co-Chair the For Country Caucus, a group of country’s longest war, and uniquely understand what a GWOT 30 veterans from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force Memorial means for our nation. We continue to push for a swift who didn’t see the end of their and thorough process to build military careers as the end of their the memorial and look forward service to this country. Having to joining our fellow Americans taken the same oath, we have an to mourn, reflect, and honor the immediate sense of understanding sacrifices of so many. and trust. We came to Washington While the memorial will with a commitment to put aside serve as a place of healing, we party differences and get work remained focused on providing done, even in the toughest of times. other outlets as well. For years, Going into caucus meetings, mental health has carried a stigma we know that the member sitting that has made it difficult for next to us gets it. They could veterans and service members to have been the person next to us in seek the care they need. Luckily, combat. And for some of us, they narrative is changing. We’ve agreed to work together to the were. Rep. Jake Ellzey (TX-06) Seeking help when you need it is ensure that even in these highly flew in a squadron that provided a necessity of remaining a strong air support in Afghanistan for member of a team. We now polarized times, our nation Rep. Mike Waltz (FL-06). Rep. know that to have the strongest passes thoughtful, bipartisan John James (MI-10) and Rep. Pat troops, we must also have Ryan (NY-18) attended West Pont strength of mind. We worked legislation regarding veterans, together. In a time when it’s so easy across party lines to pass the military quality of life, and to demonize someone on the other Brandon Act, making it easier national security. side of the aisle, we’ve agreed to for military personnel to report

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

mental health concerns and receive treatment. We led efforts and interpreters to escape the Taliban and led efforts to pass the to change the Veterans Crisis Line number, also used by active Afghan War Commission Act. Our work isn’t done. We must duty servicemembers, to 988. The easy-to-remember number continue to secure the safety of our allies. Why would locals in has seen a dramatic uptick in calls and those receiving help. future conflicts want to work with us if we have failed our past The military demands sacrifices, which we all deem allies? It remains a national security imperative to uphold our essential. However, our servicemembers and their families oaths and do what is right. should not go hungry, struggle to care for their children, or find it This same principle of standing by our partners extends difficult to put a roof over their heads. As our military struggles to Taiwan, Ukraine, and Israel. As the aggression of our with retention and recruitment, who would want to join under adversaries intensifies, we’re working to fortify our national these conditions? We’re security capacities and working to ensure food bolster our competitiveness. We’re working to ensure food security, We continue to grow our security, address military housing transparency and address military housing transparency cyber workforce and invest accountability, expand in new technologies. Our and accountability, expand parental parental leave for certain members remain vigilant servicemembers, and make it leave for certain servicemembers, and and up to date, with many easier for military spouses to sitting on the China Select make it easier for military spouses to secure employment. We also Committee and participating secure employment. look forward to reviewing in the Foreign Military Sales the recommendations of Task Force. As a caucus, we the Military Quality of Life know that internal divides Panel, led by For Country Caucus members Reps. Don Bacon make us vulnerable to outside threats. (NE-02) and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and implementing We served our nation in uniform, and we remain provisions that can ensure Americans want to both join the committed to serving Americans in Congress. We are proud of Armed Forces and develop meaningful careers that support their the bipartisan work our caucus has accomplished in a deeply families and our nation as a whole. divided Congress. We look forward to the next mission as we Our commitment extends to our allies as well. In August serve the American people. RF of 2021, the world watched as Kabul fell. For members of the Tony Gonzales is a Republican who represents the 23th District military community, including many of our caucus members, of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives. Jason Crow is a this was personal. We saw the people who served alongside us, Democrat who represents the 6th District of Colorado. Together, people we had promised safety for working with us, now in they serve as Co-Chairs of the bipartisan For Country Caucus. grave danger. We expedited the process for Afghan translators

Above left, Captain Crow as an Army Ranger serving in Afghanistan. Above right, Cryptologic Technician (CTR1) Gonzales being presented with the Aircrewman of the Year Award in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. (Photos courtesy of the For Country Caucus)

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

Politics & Perspective

Putting Veterans at the Center of Their Care

If the VA won’t implement the MISSION Act, Congress must step in

by DARIN SELNICK The great President and veteran Theodore Roosevelt created internal policies and directives contrary to the once said, “A man who is good enough to shed his blood law while keeping veterans and Congress in the dark. for his country is good enough to be given a square deal In 2021, VA leadership quietly shut down its MISafterwards.” He shared this sentiment with a group of SION Act website, limiting veterans’ information on veterans just 38 years after President Abraham Lincoln their care options. In 2022, the VA decommissioned its had promised the country would “care for him who shall Office of Community Care. have borne the battle.” Last year, the VA Secretary DeThese beliefs are foundational nis McDonough stated in Senate testo how we should view veterans’ timony that he wanted to roll back health care – those who served and standards for accessing community sacrificed should be taken care of. care. “Demand for health care…has We have a responsibility as recipiincreased more intensively for care ents of freedom to do nothing less. in the community than for care in the But accessing health care is direct system,” he said. “My hunch often the next hardest battle veteris that we should change access stanans face at home. dards.” Until recently, the DepartTo find out what’s going on ment of Veterans Affairs health behind the scenes, Americans for care system was the only socialProsperity Foundation obtained ized care in the country. Veterans documents through a Freedom of were waiting weeks and months Information Act request and lawsuit. for needed care, stuck in the buThose documents showed the VA has reaucracy of the VA with few opestablished policies and guidance to Darin Selnick tions to get out. dissuade veterans from choosing The VA MISSION Act of 2018 community care, incorrectly calcuwas a bright promise of generaThe VA MISSION lated wait times for appointments, tional reform to the VA’s socialized and overturned doctors’ referrals to Act of 2018 was a system to better serve veterans’ the community. bright promise of needs. The law included measures The VA has even created referfor timely access to care at the VA ral coordination teams that meet generational reform or outside providers in the comwithout veterans’ knowledge to reto the VA’s socialized munity; plans to modernize outview and deny veterans community dated, crumbling VA facilities; and system to better serve care after they are already deemed expansion of caregiver support for eligible. These teams decide if the veterans’ needs. veterans of all eras. VA considers it “appropriate” for In short, the MISSION Act was veterans to use community care a gamechanger that would put veterans in the driver’s based on internal, illegal standards. seat of their care. The results have been a return to pre-MISSION Act But five years later, the Biden Administration has al- barriers – long wait and drive times, manipulated stanlowed an organized attempt at the VA to crush the prom- dards for accessing care, denial of caregivers to veterans ise of reform and end veterans’ health care choice. who desperately need them, denial of mental health in The VA focuses on what is best for the institution, the community which can lead to increased suicides, and not the veteran, by skirting the law and VA regulations the death of measures to review and streamline outdated that allow for community care access. The VA has also facilities. 14

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

These problems at the VA have dire consequences. choice of community care. In a tragic incident, an Arkansas veteran who was The long-term solution is to change the VA’s mofighting cancer died because the VA failed to properly nopoly approach on veterans care by passing U.S. Sen. schedule his treatment through community care. The sur- Marsha Blackburn’s Veterans Health Care Freedom Act. gery that was required This would give veterans within 30 days wasn’t full choice to receive care But five years later, the Biden scheduled until 205 at the VA or in the comdays after the consultamunity. It is the only way Administration has allowed an tion. to provide veterans with organized attempt at the VA to crush This isn’t how the care they deserve and the VA is supposed to the promise of reform and end to fix systemic issues at work. Instead, the VA the VA. veterans’ health care choice. should be veteran-cenTo give those who have tric and follow what borne the battle a square General Omar Bradley deal and honor their service, said when he ran the department. “We are dealing with veterans have to come first at the VA. veterans, not procedures; with their problems, not ours.” Because VA won’t do that, Congress must step in. RF The question now is how to get back on track and give veterans the lifesaving care they need and earned. Darin Selnick is a senior advisor for Concerned Veterans for The short-term solution is to pass U.S. Sen. Jerry America and an Air Force veteran. He served as veterans afMoran’s Veterans’ HEALTH Act, which would end the fairs adviser on President Donald Trump’s Domestic Policy VA policies and practices that are denying veterans Council and as a senior advisor to the VA secretary.

More than just a box. International Paper is proud to partner with Wreaths Across America to honor our veterans. Our boxes protect the wreaths that are laid at national cemeteries each year and express our gratitude for our fallen heroes. Learn more here:

International Paper is proud to support The Ripon Society.

IP employee Michael Pettit Former Army National Guard Sergeant

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

Beyond the Uniform

Veterans Shaping Civic and Political Landscapes by ROSALINDA VASQUEZ MAURY, JEANETTE YIH HARVIE & ADAM PRITCHARD Critical Issues Guiding Candidate Choices Delving into the voting patterns of the veteran population reveals a complex interplay of factors shaping their candidate choices. Among post-9/11 veterans, the most important topics leading veterans to support a candidate were veteran issues (47%), the economy (36%) and gun control/Second Amendment rights (27%).2 The veteran issues that were seen as the most important to the post-9/11 generation were mental health and suicide prevention (70%), employment and jobs (39%) and toxic exposure or burn pits (33%).3 Topics such as military and defense issues, government and tax reform, homeland security and The Veteran Vote terrorism, and healthcare were also Military veterans are often top issues for more than 1 in 5 postportrayed as being a voting bloc 9/11 veterans.4 in American politics. Some of Veterans, drawing from their this reputation is warranted, as Rosalinda Vasquez Maury diverse experiences both in and surveys and research support out of the military, tend to gravitate that, with a few exceptions, towards candidates who align with veterans are more likely to be In the 2022 elections, views on these critical topics. registered to vote compared to turnout rate among veterans their The deep-seated understanding of their non-military peers and was 62.7% compared to far-reaching implications of policy have consistently higher rates of decisions, such as those on foreign voting. 51.3% of nonveterans. policy, might influence veterans to In the 2022 elections, for be more discerning in their choices. instance, turnout rate among veterans was 62.7% compared to 51.3% of nonveterans.1 Because of these higher turnout rates, candidates and parties Elevated Civic Engagement of Veterans Research shows that both in history and today, veterans, tend to “court” the veteran vote by putting other veterans on the ballot (see related charts on next four pages) or focusing as a group, exhibit levels of civic engagement that consistently on policy platforms that are favored by military veterans. outshine those of nonveterans. This heightened commitment is Whether veteran voters will turnout at an even higher rate in particularly evident in their enthusiastic participation not only the next election cycle will highly depend on whether parties in terms of electoral politics, but in terms of volunteerism have high quality candidates and sensible policy platforms that within their communities. On average, veterans spent 95 hours volunteering a year can find resonance with the majority of military veterans. With Veterans Day upon us and the 2024 campaign just over a year away, it is a good time to reflect on the political and civic engagement of America’s military veterans and the implications of their participation for the U.S. This essay aims to explore the multifaceted landscape of voting preferences among veterans, the factors that drive their active engagement both politically and civically, and the barriers that may prevent veterans from participating effectively as citizens. How veterans can engage in our society today has the potential to reshape the future of our nation’s leadership.

1) https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2023/2022-voting-registration.html

2) https://iava.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2022_IAVA_Member_Survey.pdf 3) Ibid. 4) Ibid.

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

compared to 74 hours for non-veterans.5 Reasons behind this propensity could be manifold, including a strong sense of duty instilled during their military service, a commitment to upholding the democratic values they defended, and a desire to have a tangible impact on the nation’s direction. Barriers to Participation Despite their keen interest in voting and civic engagement, veterans may face obstacles such as logistical challenges to participating politically.6 Furthermore, they may also feel disengaged from their local communities even though they have a desire to be civically engaged. Military service involves frequent relocation, and the demands of the Mission may not allow time for service members to be connected to their local communities.5 While many service members desire to move back to their home of record upon separation, a good portion of transitioning service members will move or stay near their last duty station.6 The veterans that stayed within their “new” communities are essentially rebuilding their sense of belonging. Their commitment to the political process, volunteerism, and civic ideals may be in flux during this transition process as they (re) register to vote, change their state residency, learn about veteran5) https://www.ncoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2021-Veterans-CHI-FINAL.pdf 6) https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/article/military-families-perceptions-challenges-and-barriers-to-voting-participation-and- absentee-voting/

related resources, and finding a new place for themselves and their families within the community. How state and local governments can ease the transition process for veterans will have an impact on whether veterans can flourish post military service. We are at a point in American history where only 7% of the U.S. population are military veterans.7 The proportion of veterans serving in Congress is also at an historic low despite efforts from both major parties to recruit veterans as political candidates. The reasons behind these trends are mostly structural, and are driven by policy decisions such as moving to an all-volunteer force and smaller military conflicts over the last 50 years. Whether these trends continue is unknown. However, one things is certain -- veterans are and will remain an integral part of our society, and their higher propensity to participate both politically and civically are an asset and something we should leverage as a nation. RF Rosalinda Vasquez Maury serves as the Director of Applied Research and Analytics at the D’Aniello Institute of Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University. Jeanette Yih Harvie and Adam Pritchard are Research Associates at the IVMF. 7) Ibid. 8) Data analyzed using Blue Star Families’ annual Military Family Lifestyle Surveys in collaboration with IVMF

www.HORIZONDC.COM Horizon Government Affairs is proud to support The Ripon Society. RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

Mark Amodei Nevada-02 U.S. Army

Jake Auchincloss Massachusetts-04 U.S. Marines

Brian Babin Texas-36 U.S. Air Force

Don Bacon Nebraska-02 U.S. Air Force

Jim Baird Indiana-04 U.S. Army

Jim Banks Indiana-03 U.S. Navy Reserve

Jack Bergman Michigan-01 U.S. Marines

Rick Crawford Arkansas-01 U.S. Army

Dan Crenshaw Texas-02 U.S. Navy

Jason Crow Colorado-06 U.S. Army

Warren Davidson Ohio-08 U.S. Army

Donald Davis North Carolina-01 U.S. Air Force

Chris Deluzio Pennsylvania-17 U.S. Navy

Tammy Duckworth Illinois U.S. Army

Lindsey Graham South Carolina U.S. Air Force

Mark Green Tennessee-07 U.S. Army

Brett Guthrie Kentucky-02 U.S. Army

Andy Harris Maryland-01 U.S. Navy Reserve

Clay Higgins Louisiana-03 U.S. Army

Chrissy Houlahan Pennsylvania-06 U.S. Air Force

Sanford Bishop Jr. Richard Blumenthal Georgia-02 Connecticut U.S. Marines U.S. Army

Neal Dunn Florida-02 U.S. Army

Jake Ellzey Texas-06 U.S. Navy

HONORS THE Mark Kelly Arizona U.S. Navy

Trent Kelly Mississippi-01 U.S. Army

Jen Kiggans Virginia-02 U.S. Navy

Nick LaLota New York-01 U.S. Navy

Ted Lieu California-36 U.S. Air Force

Barry Loudermilk Georgia-11 U.S. Air Force

Rich McCormick Georgia-06 U.S. Marines

Max Miller Ohio-07 U.S. Marines

Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) U.S. Army

Cory Mills Florida-07 U.S. Army

Barry Moore Alabama-02 U.S. Army

Seth Moulton Massachusetts-06 U.S. Marines

Bobby Scott Virginia-03 U.S. Army

Rick Scott Florida U.S. Navy

Keith Self Texas-03 U.S. Army

Mikie Sherrill New Jersey-11 U.S. Navy

Greg Steube Florida-17 U.S. Army

Dan Sullivan Alaska U.S. Marines

SERVING IN THE 1

Troy Nehls Texas-22 U.S. Army Reserve

Zach Nunn Iowa-03 U.S. Air Force

Mike Thompson William Timmons California-04 South Carolina-04 U.S. Army U.S. Army

Jimmy Panetta California-19 U.S. Navy Reserve

J.D. Vance Ohio U.S. Marines

Mike Bost Illinois-12 U.S. Marines

Joni Ernst Iowa U.S. Army Reserve

Vern Buchanan Larry Bucshon Florida-16 Indiana-08 Air National Guard U.S. Navy Reserve

Pat Fallon Texas-04 U.S. Air Force

Scott Fitzgerald Wisconsin-05 U.S. Army Reserve

Mike Carey Ohio-15 U.S. Army

Salud Carbajal California-24 U.S. Marine Reserve

Tom Carper Delaware U.S. Navy

Andrew Clyde Georgia-09 U.S. Navy

Tom Cotton Arkansas U.S. Army

Eli Crane Arizona-02 U.S. Navy

Scott Franklin Florida-18 U.S. Navy

Ruben Gallego Mike Gallagher Arizona-03 Wisconsin-08 U.S. Marine Reserve U.S. Marines

Mike Garcia California-27 U.S. Navy

Jared Golden Maine-02 U.S. Marines

Tony Gonzales Texas-23 U.S. Navy

Wesley Hunt Texas-38 U.S. Army

Darrell Issa California-48 U.S. Army

Jeff Jackson North Carolina-14 U.S. Army

Ronny Jackson Texas-13 U.S. Navy

John James Michigan-10 U.S. Army

Bill Johnson Ohio-06 U.S. Air Force

Anna Paulina Luna Morgan Luttrell Texas-08 Florida-13 U.S. Navy U.S. Air Force

Ed Markey Massachusetts U.S. Army

Roger Marshall Kansas U.S. Army Reserve

Brian Mast Florida-21 U.S. Army

Mitch McConnell Kentucky U.S. Army

Jack Reed Rhode Island U.S. Army

Guy Reschenthaler Pennsylvania-14 U.S. Navy

Hal Rogers Kentucky-05 National Guard

Pat Ryan New York-18 U.S. Army

Steve Womack Arkansas-03 National Guard

Todd Young Indiana U.S. Marines

Ryan Zinke Montana-01 U.S. Navy

E VETERANS

118TH CONGRESS

Bill Pascrell New Jersey-09 U.S. Army

Greg Pence Indiana-06 U.S. Marine Corps

Scott Perry Pennsylvania-10 U.S. Army

Gary Peters Michigan U.S. Navy Reserve

Derrick Van Orden Wisconsin-03 U.S. Navy

Mike Waltz Florida-06 U.S. Army

Brad Wenstrup Ohio-02 U.S. Army Reserve

Roger Wicker Mississippi U.S. Air Force

August Pfluger Texas-11 U.S. Air Force

Brandon Williams Joe Wilson New York-22 South Carolina-02 U.S. Navy U.S. Army

VETERANS VETERANSRUNNING RUNNINGFOR FORCONGRESS CONGRESSIN IN2024 2024

(Nonincumbent (NonincumbentRepublican Republicancandidates candidatesfor forthe theU.S. U.S.House Houseand andSenate, Senate,asasofofOctober October18, 18,2023) 2023)

Arizona: Arizona: 1.1. Kelly KellyCooper Cooper(R/AZ-04) (R/AZ-04)- -USMC USMC California: California: 2.2. Omba OmbaKipuke Kipuke(R/CA-06) (R/CA-06)- -Army Army 3.3. Rudy Recile (R/CA-08) Rudy Recile (R/CA-08)- -Army Army 4.4. Kevin KevinLincoln LincolnIIII(R/CA-09) (R/CA-09)- -USMC USMC 5.5. Michael Maher (R/CA-21) Michael Maher (R/CA-21)- -Navy Navy 6.6. Michael MichaelKoslow Koslow(R/CA-26) (R/CA-26)- -Air AirForce Force 7.7. Kate Monroe (R/CA-49) USMC Kate Monroe (R/CA-49) - USMC 8.8. Peter PeterYuan YuanLiu Liu(R/CA) (R/CA)- -U.S. U.S.Army Army Florida: Florida: 9.9. John JohnMcCloy McCloy(R/FL-11) (R/FL-11)- -Army Army 10. Anthony Sabatini 10. Anthony Sabatini(R/FL-11) (R/FL-11)- -Army Army 11. 11. Robert RobertRochford Rochford(R/FL-14) (R/FL-14)- -U.S. U.S.Navy Navy 12. 12. Christopher ChristopherEddy Eddy(R/FL-25) (R/FL-25)- -Air AirForce Force 13. 13. Carla CarlaSpalding Spalding(R/FL-25) (R/FL-25)- -Navy Navy Georgia Georgia 14. 14. Michael MichaelNixon Nixon(R/GA-2) (R/GA-2)- Air - AirForce, Force,Navy, Navy,Air AirNat’l Nat’lGuard Guard 15. Eugene Yu (R/GA-7) Army 15. Eugene Yu (R/GA-7) - Army Illinois Illinois 16. 16. Joshua JoshuaLloyd Lloyd(R/IL-13) (R/IL-13)- -Army Army 17. Matthew Leiv (R/IL-14) 17. Matthew Leiv (R/IL-14)- -USMC USMC Kansas Kansas 18. 18. Prasanth PrasanthReddy Reddy(R/KS-3) (R/KS-3)- -Air AirForce Force Maine Maine 19. 19. Michael MichaelSoboleski Soboleski(R/ME-02) (R/ME-02)- -USMC USMC Maryland Maryland 20. 20. Chris ChrisBruneau Bruneau(R/MD-01) (R/MD-01)- -Army Army 21. Mariela Roca (R/MD-06) 21. Mariela Roca (R/MD-06)- -Air AirForce Force 22. 22. Mariela MarielaRoca Roca(R/MD-06) (R/MD-06)- -Air AirForce Force 23. 23. Ray RayBly Bly(R/MD) (R/MD)- -Army Army 24. 24. Chris ChrisBruneau Bruneau(R/MD-01) (R/MD-01)- -Army Army Michigan Michigan 25. 25. Tom TomBarrett Barrett(R/MI-07) (R/MI-07)- -Army Army 26. Jeffrey Jowske 26. Jeffrey Jowske(R/MI-09) (R/MI-09)- -Army Army 27. 27. Mike MikeRogers Rogers(R/MI) (R/MI)- -Army Army Minnesota Minnesota 28. 28. Mike MikeCasey Casey(R/MN-04) (R/MN-04)- -Army Army Missouri Missouri 29. 29. Wesley WesleySmith Smith(R/MO-02) (R/MO-02)- -U.S. U.S.Army Army Montana Montana 30. 30. Tim TimSheehy Sheehy(R/MT) (R/MT)- -Navy Navy Nevada Nevada 31. 31. Mark MarkRobertson Robertson(R/NV-01) (R/NV-01)- -Army ArmyReserve Reserve 32. David Flippo (R/NV-04) Air Force 32. David Flippo (R/NV-04) - Air Force 33. 33. Sam SamBrown Brown(R/NV) (R/NV)- -Army Army 34. Bill Conrad (R/NV) 34. Bill Conrad (R/NV)- -Army Army 35. 35. Tony TonyGrady Grady(R/NV) (R/NV)- -Air AirForce Force

New NewHampshire Hampshire 36. 36. Jason JasonRiddle Riddle(R/NH-2) (R/NH-2)- -Navy/Navy Navy/NavyReserve Reserve 37. Mark Kilbane (R/NH-2) Army 37. Mark Kilbane (R/NH-2) - Army 38. 38. Hollie HollieNoveletsky Noveletsky(R/NH-01) (R/NH-01)- -Army ArmyReserve Reserve New York New York 39. 39. Gregory GregoryHach Hach(R/NY-03) (R/NY-03)- -Air AirForce Force 40. Kellen Curry (R/NY-03)-Air 40. Kellen Curry (R/NY-03)-AirForce Force North NorthCarolina Carolina 41. 41. Fred FredVon VonCanon Canon(R/NC-1) (R/NC-1)- -military military 42. Matt Shoemaker (R/NC-13) 42. Matt Shoemaker (R/NC-13)- -Navy Navy 43. 43. Josh JoshMcConkey McConkey(R/NC-13) (R/NC-13)- -USAF USAF 44. 44. Pat PatHarrigan Harrigan(R/NC-14) (R/NC-14)- -Army Army Ohio Ohio 45. 45. Frank FrankLaRose LaRose(R/OH) (R/OH)- -Army ArmyReserve Reserve 46. Chris Banweg (R/OH-13) 46. Chris Banweg (R/OH-13)- -USMC USMC 47. 47. Orlando OrlandoSonza Sonza(R/OH-01) (R/OH-01)- -Army Army Pennsylvania Pennsylvania 48. 48. David DavidWinkler Winkler(R/PA-4) (R/PA-4)- -USMC USMCand andArmy Army 49. Kevin Dellicker (R/PA-7) Air National 49. Kevin Dellicker (R/PA-7) - Air NationalGuard Guard 50. 50. David DavidMcCormick McCormick(R/PA) (R/PA)- -Army Army 51. 51. James JamesNelson Nelson(R/PA-17) (R/PA-17)- -Air AirForce Force 52. Rob Mercuri (R/PA-17) Army 52. Rob Mercuri (R/PA-17) - Army Rhode RhodeIsland Island 53. 53. Raymond RaymondMcKay McKay(R/RI) (R/RI)- -Army Army Tennessee Tennessee 54. 54. Antwane AntwaneBohanon Bohanon(R/TN-9) (R/TN-9)- -Navy Navy Texas Texas 55. 55. Burt BurtThaker Thaker(R/TX-3) (R/TX-3)- -Navy Navy 56. Tre Pennie (R/TX-3) 56. Tre Pennie (R/TX-3)- -Army Army 57. 57. Clifford CliffordWiley Wiley(R/TX-6) (R/TX-6)- -USMC USMC 58. Deliris Montanez 58. Deliris Montanez(R/TX-16) (R/TX-16)- -Army ArmyReserve Reserve 59. Kyle Sinclair (R/TX-28) Army 59. Kyle Sinclair (R/TX-28) - Army 60. 60. Kurt KurtSchwab Schwab(R/TX-33) (R/TX-33)- -Air AirForce Force 61. Charlie Garza (R/TX) Navy 61. Charlie Garza (R/TX) - Navy 62. 62. Steve SteveKeough Keough(R/TX) (R/TX)- -Navy Navy Virginia Virginia 63. 63. Derrick DerrickAnderson Anderson(R/VA-07) (R/VA-07)- -Army Army 64. Cameron Hamilton 64. Cameron Hamilton(R/VA-7) (R/VA-7)- -Navy Navy 65. 65. Chuck ChuckSmith Smith(R/VA) (R/VA)- -USMC USMC 66. 66. Hung HungCao Cao(R/VA) (R/VA)- -Navy Navy 67. Eddie Garcia 67. Eddie Garcia(R/VA) (R/VA)- -Army Army Washington Washington 68. 68. Joe JoeKent Kent(R/WA-3) (R/WA-3)- -Army Army 69. Jerrod Sessler 69. Jerrod Sessler(R/WA-4) (R/WA-4)- -Navy Navy 70. 70. Nirav NiravSheth Sheth(R/WA-8) (R/WA-8)- -USMC USMC 71. 71. C.C.Mark MarkGreene Greene(R/WA-9) (R/WA-9)- -Coast CoastGuard, Guard,USMC USMC 72. Don Hewett (R/WA-10) USAF 72. Don Hewett (R/WA-10) - USAF West WestVirginia Virginia 73. 73. Joseph JosephEarley Earley(R/WV-2) (R/WV-2)- -Army Army 74. Nate Cain (R/WV-2) 74. Nate Cain (R/WV-2)- -Army Army

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

VETERANS RUNNING FOR CONGRESS IN 2024

(Nonincumbent Democratic candidates for the U.S. House and Senate, as of October 18, 2023)

Arizona: 1. Quacy Smith (D/AZ-09) - USMC 2. Andrei Cherny (D/AZ-01) - Navy reserve 3. David Lucier (D/AZ-09) - Army 4. Brandon Donnelley (D/AZ-09) - USMC California: 5. Tim Sanchez (D/CA-12) - Navy 6. Stephen Dunwoody (D/CA-30) - Air National Guard 7. Bob Archuleta (D/CA-31) - U.S. Army 8. Gil Cisneros (D/CA-31) - U.S. Navy 9. Baltazar Fedalizo (D/CA-37) - U.S. Navy Colorado: 10. Issac McCorkle (D/CO-4) - USMC Florida: 11. Tom Wells (D/FL-03) - Army Medical Corp 12. John Liccione (D/FL-13) - Air Force 13. Kris Fitzgerald (D/FL-15) - Air Force 14. Rod Joseph (D/FL) - Army 15. Phil Ehr (D/FL) - Navy Georgia: 16. Bob Christian (D/GA-6) - Army 17. Daniel Jackson (D/GA-12) - Army 18. Shawn Harris (D/GA-14) - USMC Maryland: 19. Mia Mason (D/MD-06) - Army 20. Juan Dominguez (D/MD) - Army 21. Steven Seuferer (D/MD) - Air Force 22. Blane Miller (D/MD-01) - Navy 23. Isaac Toyos (D/MD-01) - Army Michigan: 24. Hill Harper (D/MI) - USMC New York: 25. Sarah Klee Hood (D/NY-22) - Air Force

Minnesota: 26. Tim Peterson (D/MN-05) - Air Force and MN Army National Guard Mississippi: 27. Ty Pinkins (D/MS) - Army Missouri: 28. Lucas Kunce (D/MO) - USMC New Jersey: 29. Brandon Saffold (D/NJ-02) - Coast Guard New York: 30. Steven Holden (D/NY-21) - Army 31. Clemmie Harris (D/NY-22) - Army 32. William Schweitzer (D/NY) - Army Pennslyvania: 33. Ashley Ehasz (D/PA-1) - Army 34. Rick Coplen (D/PA-10) - Army 35. Mike O’Brien (D/PA-10) - USMC South Carolina: 36. Mac Deford (D/SC-1) - Coast Guard Texas: 37. Aaron Arguijo (D/TX) - U.S. Navy 38. Brian Williams (D/TX) - Air Force Utah: 39. Glenn Wright (D/UT-3) - USAF Virginia: 40. Missy Cotter Smasal (D/VA-2) - Navy West Virginia: 41. Steven Wendelin (D/WV-2) - Navy Wisconsin: 42. Lorenzo Santos (D/WI-1) - Navy 43. Chris Leon (D/WI-5) - USMC 44. Elsa Duranceau (D/WI-7) - USAF

(Nonincumbent candidates from other parties) 1. 2.

Elijah Lewis Blue (L/CA-11) - Coast Guard A.C. Toulme (One Earth Party/FL) - Navy

3. 4.

John Bowman (I/MO-05) - U.S. Navy Dan McQueen (I/TX) - U.S. Navy

NOTE: This information was compiled using data, reports, and news articles from a variety of sources, including the Federal Election Commission, Ballotpedia, militarytimes.com, military.com, NBC News, CNN, and candidate websites.

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

Veterans in the White House

A Brief History of Presidents Who Served by CAROLINE BANASZAK

With Veterans Day upon us and the 2024 presidential — as a 23-year-old Captain of the volunteers — was, he campaign underway, it is a good time to look back at would later write during the 1860 presidential campaign, some of the veterans who have served as President, and “a success which gave me more pleasure than any I have how their time in uniform may have shaped their political had since.” Lincoln would go on, of course, to be one careers. of the greatest Presidents in history, ending slavery and In total, out of the 45 men who have served in the saving the Union. White House, 31 served in the military. Ten reached the He also signed legislation that established a network rank of general, while five rose to the rank of colonel. of national facilities to care for the nation’s wounded Three future Presidents Civil War soldiers. The day fought in the Revolutionary after signing the bill, he stood War, five fought in the War on the East Front of the U.S. of 1812, three saw combat in Capitol and delivered his the Mexican-American War, Second Inaugural Address, five fought in the Civil War, calling on the nation “to care one fought in in the Spanishfor him who shall have borne American War, one in World the battle and for his widow War I, and eight saw combat and his orphan.” Lincoln’s in World War II. words continue to guide One could argue the most the modern Department of famous veteran President Veterans Affairs, and in fact in U.S. history is George form the foundation of the Washington. He commanded VA’s mission statement today. the Continental Army during Ulysses S. Grant served the American Revolution, as Lincoln’s commanding presided over the Convention General and was elected in Philadelphia that wrote the President three years after the “Remember, that it is the U.S. Constitution, and then end of the war. A graduate of actions, and not the commission, West Point who fought under went on to serve as America’s that make the officer, and that first President. He led a life of then-General and future leadership and achievement President Zachary Taylor there is more expected from that helped win a war and in the Mexican War, he was him than the title.” shaped a young nation. known not only as a brilliant Yet perhaps Washington’s strategist, but as a leader who - George Washington most significant action as was popular with the troops. both a soldier and statesman “His soldiers always knew was giving up power — first by resigning his commission that he was ready to rough it with them and share their as General of the Army after the war was won, and hardships on the march,” his aide-de-camp, Colonel then by stepping down as President after two terms in Horace Porter, once wrote. “He wore no better clothes office. “Remember,” he said in an address to the Virginia than they, and often ate no better food.” Regiment early in his career, “that it is the actions, and As President, Grant’s administration was tarnished not the commission, that make the officer, and that there by financial scandal, but he oversaw Reconstruction is more expected from him than the title.” following the Civil War, sending federal troops to Abraham Lincoln had nowhere near the military Southern states to quell violent attacks by the Ku experience or career that Washington had — he only spent Klux Klan and protect the four million blacks who had one year in the Illinois militia during the Blackhawk War. become citizens. He summed up his view of force and Yet for Lincoln, the title he earned while in the militia attitude toward conflict in his autobiography, which he 22

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

completed just before his death in 1885. “Although a popular that after the allied victory, his troops took up a soldier by profession,” he wrote, “I have never felt any collection and bought him a loving cup. It was inscribed, sort of fondness for war, and I have never advocated it, “Presented by the Members of Battery D in appreciation except as a means of peace.” of his justice, ability and leadership.” Sixteen years later, Theodore Roosevelt was sworn Truman returned home a war hero. He opened a in as President with his own view of war and conflict. It haberdashery in Kansas City, and, after a few years, was was a view that had been shaped largely by his experience asked to run for office by the local political machine. leading the Rough Riders, a regiment of U.S. cavalry Veterans formed the core of his support, and after serving volunteers who were recruited by Roosevelt to fight in as a judge, he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1934. the Spanish-American War. Roosevelt’s heroic exploits He served on committees responsible for military policy in the war — which included leading the charge up San and appropriations, and made his mark as the leader Juan Hill — and the coverage his exploits received of a special committee formed to investigate defense in America, helped fuel his political career when he expenditures during the Second World War. Franklin returned home. Roosevelt chose him as his Vice President when he ran As President, he established the Panama Canal, built for reelection in 1944. When FDR died early the next the U.S. Navy into one of the largest in the world, and year, the unassuming farmer-turned-war hero-turnedbecame known for his now-famous diplomatic maxim, haberdasher became President of the United States. “Speak softly, and carry a As President, Truman big stick.” He pushed for the did more to shape the postfirst physical readiness tests war world than perhaps any for U.S. soldiers, sailors, and other individual of his time. marines, and consistently He dropped the atom bomb, argued that those who risked ending World War II and their life defending America starting the atomic age. He should be taken care of once launched the Marshall Plan they leave uniform. In his to rebuild war-torn Europe, annual messages and other and put in place the Truman remarks, Roosevelt made the Doctrine to curb the spread case that no other group of of communism around the Americans deserved greater world. He desegregated the respect and gratitude than the military and oversaw the nation’s veterans. “A man implementation of the GI Bill. who is good enough to shed He was also the first President his blood for his country is to recognize Israel. Through good enough to be given a it all, Truman remembered “Although a soldier by square deal afterwards,” he his roots and where his climb said in one such speech in up the leadership ladder had profession, I have never felt 1903. begun. After he was sworn any sort of fondness for war, Just as Theodore into office in 1949, he invited and I have never advocated it, Roosevelt was the only the surviving members of President to see combat in Battery D to march with except as a means of peace.” the Spanish-American War, him in his inaugural parade. - Ulysses S. Grant Harry Truman was the only Truman would later remark, President to see combat in “My whole political career is World War I. Truman was a based on my war service and 33-year-old farmer who had failed at several business war associates.” ventures when America entered the war in 1917. Too old His successor as President could say the same thing. for the draft, he enlisted in the Army. It quickly became Dwight D. “Ike” Eisenhower graduated from West apparent that the unassuming farmer from Missouri was Point in 1915, serving stateside training recruits during a natural leader. He was elected lieutenant of Battery World War I and rising steadily through the ranks. At D in the Missouri National Guard, and then shipped the suggestion of a superior officer who sensed his talent out with the rest of his battery the following year to and leadership abilities, he attended the Command and France, where he was promoted to Captain. He earned a General Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where reputation for being tough but fair, a disciplinarian who he graduated first in his class in 1926. He would go on cared for his troops and was fearless in battle. He was so from there to serve briefly under General John Pershing, RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

then spent four years working for the Assistant Secretary “In the councils of government,” the former Supreme of War. In 1933, he became chief military aide to the Commander warned, “we must guard against the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Douglas McArthur, acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or and would accompany McArthur to the Philippines, unsought, by the military-industrial complex ... Only an where he served as assistant military advisor to the alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery Philippine Government. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that assigned to the War Department in Washington, where security and liberty may prosper together.” Three days after Eisenhower’s speech, another General George Marshall, who was by then serving veteran of World War II was sworn into office as President. the Army Chief of Staff, assigned him to manage the Like Ike, John F. Kennedy was a hero of the war, having Pacific war. In June 1942, Marshall sent Eisenhower to been awarded two medals and a Purple Heart for saving England to begin planning for the war in Europe. Those his crew after their PTplans culminated two boat was inadvertently years later with the rammed and sunk by a American-led invasion Japanese destroyer in the at Normandy on June 6, middle of the night in 1944. By then, Ike was August 1943. But unlike serving as the Supreme the former General, Commander of Allied Kennedy was a junior Expeditionary Forces. th officer -- a 26-year-old He would receive his 5 Naval Lieutenant -- at star and was promoted the time. He represented to General of the Army a new generation of that December and Americans, a point he would succeed Marshall explicitly drove home as Army Chief of Staff in his Inaugural Address following the end of the on January 20. “Let war in November 1945. the word go forth,” The following January, the young President he shared some insights proclaimed, “that the into his view of military “My whole political career torch has been passed conflict in an address is based on my war service to a new generation of before the Canadian Americans -born in Club in Ottawa. “I hate and war associates.” this century, tempered war as only a soldier - Harry Truman by war, disciplined by who has lived it can, a hard and bitter peace, only as one who has proud of our ancient seen its brutality, its heritage -and unwilling to witness or permit the slow futility, its stupidity,” he said. undoing of those human rights to which this nation has After resisting a “Draft Eisenhower” movement always been committed.” by Democrats in 1948, Ike accepted the Republican Kennedy would be tested immediately, first by the nomination for President in 1952. He would go on to Bay of Pigs that proved to be a disaster, and then by the be overwhelmingly elected to two terms. He ended Cuban Missile Crisis that almost ended the world. In the Korean War, built the interstate highway system, the first crisis, Kennedy inherited an ill-conceived plan launched America into the space age by establishing the to invade Cuba that had been developed in the Pentagon National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and sent under Eisenhower, and then blindly followed the advice federal troops to Arkansas to enforce the court-ordered of Generals to carry it out. Afterward, historian Robert integration of Little Rock Central High School. He also Dallek would later write, “Kennedy accused himself signed legislation that changed the name of Armistice of naïveté for trusting the military’s judgment that the Day to Veterans Day and proclaimed November 11 Cuban operation was well thought-out and capable of as the day to recognize and honor veterans each year. success. ‘Those sons of bitches with all the fruit salad Before leaving office, on January 17, 1961, Eisenhower just sat there nodding, saying it would work,’ Kennedy delivered a farewell address to the nation, a speech that said of the chiefs.” In the second crisis, the former once again revealed his views on war and has since junior officer kept his own counsel and kept the Generals become one of the most famous speeches in U.S. history. RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

at arm’s length, resisting their recommendation to bomb Serving in a squadron that suffered a 300 percent Soviet missile sites in Cuba and instead settling on what casualty rate among its pilots, Bush would fly a total of would prove to be a successful strategy to impose an 58 combat missions during the war and be awarded three Air Medals and a Presidential Unit Citation for his heroic island blockade. His disdain for the Pentagon brass aside, Kennedy actions. When he won the Presidency in 1988, it was the remained respectful of military service, and admired culmination of a lifetime of service that had begun during those who chose to make the military a career. He the war. Bush would go on to serve in Congress, as U.S. shared his views on the subject in a speech at the Naval Academy in August 1963, just over two months before Ambassador to China, as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and his death. “I hope that as Vice President under you realize how great is Ronald Reagan. As the dependence of our President, Bush managed country upon the men the peaceful end of the who serve in our Armed Cold War, and built an Forces,” he stated. “I unprecedented global sometimes think that the alliance of nations to repel people of this country do Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait not appreciate how secure and win the first Gulf we are because of the War. Most of all, Bush’s devotion of the men and presidency was defined their wives and children by a focus on service, a who serve this country theme he returned to in his in far off places, in the remarks to the West Point sea, in the air, and on the cadets that January day. ground, thousands and “What you have done, thousands of miles away what you are doing, sends from this country, who an important message, one make it possible for us all that I fear sometimes gets to live in peace each day lost amidst today’s often … I can think of no more “I hope that you realize how great materialist, self-interested rewarding a career.” culture,” he said. “It is Thirty years after is the dependence of our country important to remember -- it Kennedy’s speech at upon the men who serve in our is important to demonstrate the Naval Academy, on Armed Forces. I can think of no -- that there is a higher January 5, 1993, another purpose to life beyond President, George H.W. more rewarding a career.” oneself. I speak of family, Bush, spoke before the - John F. Kennedy of community, of ideals. corps of cadets at West I speak of duty, honor, Point and said essentially country.” the same thing. “There is Duty. Honor. Country. As America marks another no higher calling, no more honorable choice than the one that you here today have made,” Bush stated. “To join Veterans Day, it is fitting to end with these three words and the Armed Forces is to be prepared to make the ultimate remember not just the veterans who served as President, but all those who served in uniform and continue to risk sacrifice for your country and for your fellow man.” RF Bush spoke from experience. Like Kennedy, he their lives defending our freedoms today. was a veteran of World War II. As a 20-year-old Navy pilot, his plane had been shot down over the Pacific. Caroline Banaszak is Deputy Editor of The Ripon Forum.

“Ideas that matter, since 1965.“

Subscribe to The Ripon Forum One year - Six editions for $40 www.riponsociety.org

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

Housing First Does Nothing to Solve the Homelessness Crisis by BEN CARSON & ANDY BARR As a former Secretary of the Department of Council on Homelessness (USICH) has shown that Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and a sitting Housing First ultimately fails in its goal of addressing United States Congressman, we share a deep concern the root causes of homelessness. In fact, after years about the ongoing crisis of homelessness in America. of increased investment, states like California that Despite decades of effort and billions of taxpayer wholeheartedly embraced Housing First policies are dollars, the number of homeless individuals has experiencing unprecedented increases in homelessness. continued to rise to unprecedented levels. More and At the end of the day, homelessness is not just a housing more we are seeing the problem. Homelessness visible consequences of is a complex issue that untreated substance abuse requires a multi-faceted disorders and mental approach, and the USICH illness on individuals, report found that the the environment, and Housing First model fails our communities. It is to provide wraparound apparent that Housing services such as job First, the dominant training, mental health approach to addressing services, and addiction homelessness in the treatment that are United States for well necessary to address over a decade, has proven the underlying issues at ineffective in solving this play. Often the key to problem. success is a combination Housing First is of housing and treatment, premised on the idea that which is why more by giving people housing The problem with this [Housing holistic wraparound without preconditions, services are essential for First] approach is that it prioritizes the homeless individual the homeless to achieve permanent housing for the will then have the means improved and lasting to stabilize his life. homeless without requiring them outcomes. However, the problem That is why we to address any of the underlying with this approach is that support eliminating problems or root causes… it prioritizes permanent HUD’s exclusive reliance housing for the homeless on the Housing First without requiring them to policies. HUD directs address any of the underlying problems or root causes billions of dollars towards homelessness services — usually substance abuse and mental illness — that through the Continuum of Care program (CoC) yet led to their homelessness in the first place. For example, it does not incentivize the provision of, or access to, Housing First does not require homeless individuals to wraparound services which help individuals suffering meet behavioral criteria such as any level of sobriety with homelessness achieve personal transformation or participat in treatment programs which have proven and put them on the path to self-sufficiency. instrumental in getting homeless individuals back Furthermore, faith-based organizations have been on their feet as productive, functioning members of and will continue to be a critical part of the solution society. to homelessness in America. They are partners While this approach at first blush may sound well- in addressing homelessness in our communities, intentioned, in practice it does not achieve lasting operating nearly 30 percent of emergency shelter beds. results. A recent report from the US Interagency We cannot end homelessness without their partnership. 28

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

We firmly believe that these organizations should and support legislation to address this ongoing crisis. not be excluded from general funding opportunities Solutions like those presented in Representative Barr’s simply because of their religious affiliation. Housing Plus Act are exactly the kinds of changes we In this economic downturn, we fear homelessness need to implement to be successful. Only by coming will only get worse. To move forward we must recognize together and tackling this problem head-on can we the failures of current policies so that we can get to the hope to make a lasting difference in the lives of business of actually those experiencing solving America’s homelessness Often the key to success is a combination in homelessness crisis. America. We need to take a Abandoning the of housing and treatment, which is why more comprehensive failed Housing First more holistic wraparound services are approach that approach is the first, essential for the homeless to achieve recognizes the but essential, step in dignity of the person doing so. RF improved and lasting outcomes. rather than simply offering everyone a Dr. Ben Carson is the house and leaving them to their own devices. Rather Founder and Chairman of the American Cornerstone than looking at a person as someone who needs only to Institute and previously served as the 17th Secretary be housed, we should look at a person as someone who of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban needs to be helped. We urge Members of Congress on Development. Andy Barr represents the 6th District of both sides of the aisle to put aside partisan differences Kentucky in the U.S. House of Representatives.

WE P RO M I S E

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

Debate

Should the VA be Privatized?

No, The VA assists Veterans in a Way the Private System Cannot by DAVID SHULKIN Proponents for privatizing the VA have been increasingly in the VA, the bottom line is that I have come to firmly believe vocal. As a publicly funded healthcare system, the VA is under that we need a strong and vibrant VA system, and that closing constant scrutiny. Admittedly over the years it has had its share this system would be bad for veterans and for our country. At the same time, I have also come to believe that of problems, followed by calls to disband the system. I was asked to lead the VA’s health system during one maintaining an insular government run healthcare system is of these times, what was referred to as the “VA wait time not going to deliver on the type of medical care our veterans deserve. Rather we need a system that crisis.” This began with the inability allows veterans to have options for the of the VA to provide adequate access to best of what the VA can offer, as well as healthcare. There was little doubt that the best of what the private sector can the VA was not meeting its obligation offer. Veterans should have access to a to those that had served our country. system that has the specialized expertise I entered the VA after decades of and coordinated care available in the running private hospitals. I understood VA, but they also should have access to the way healthcare organizations private care when the VA is not meeting worked, and from my outside their needs. Veterans should not be perspective, I could clearly see the VA stuck in a system if it is not working was not operating well. I figured that for them or if it is providing inferior once inside the system, the most likely outcomes. option would be for me to transition What veterans need is choice and the system to the free market, in other the ability to select care that meets their words to privatize. needs. Many veterans prefer to get their But once inside the VA, I saw care at the VA and so this to me means firsthand the unique attributes of the that we should support a strong VA system, and if reformed and optimized, David Shulkin system. At the same time, we must allow that the VA could meet the needs of veterans the choice to use the private veterans in a way that could not be Once inside the VA, sector when it’s in their best interests. replicated in the private sector. The VA Current legislation, with the Mission Act, has had unique expertise in areas such I saw firsthand the has begun to allow for this. This system as post-traumatic stress, prosthetics unique attributes of the as it functions today is far from perfect, and orthotics, rehabilitation, toxic exposures, and behavioral health. system, and if reformed but the principle of “choice” is the right By working to evolve current Recent data, using objective measures, and optimized, that VA one. access standards to more clinically has shown that VA healthcare is could meet the needs of appropriate criteria, and by enhancing delivering superior outcomes to what’s transparency and accountability of available in the private sector. But veterans in a way that outcomes, we can have the type of even beyond this, the VA delivered care could not be replicated public-private partnership to best honor in an environment that demonstrated our commitment to nation’s heroes. RF military competency, offered peer in the private sector. support, and emphasized a model of The Honorable David J. Shulkin, MD was bio psychosocial support, behavioral health integration, and interdisciplinary care. None of these the Ninth Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in are readily found in private healthcare, a system that relies the Trump Administration and previously was the Under Secretary of Health for VA in the Obama Administration. He was confirmed upon payments from traditional health insurers. So after running healthcare both in the private sector and by the US Senate 100-0. 30

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

Should the VA be Privatized?

Yes, To Protect Service Members and Honor Veterans, Reform the VA by MICHAEL F. CANNON The VHA outdoes them all by threatening the health The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is never more than a few months away from scandal for the often- and lives of active-duty military personnel. When Congress or the president commit troops to battle, poor service it provides. Yet poor-quality service is not the agency’s greatest failing. The way Congress structures the cost of providing veterans benefits to those troops rises. veterans benefits literally threatens the lives of active-duty Veterans’ benefits are one of the most expensive financial costs of any military conflict. The VA service members. reports that the present value of just The most notorious manifestation the compensation and burial benefits of poor quality at the Veterans Health that Congress has promised to current Administration (VHA) is long waits veterans—not including health care, for care. Long wait times persist long-term care, or life insurance because the VHA does not have a benefits—reached $6.1 trillion in price mechanism to move resources 2022. from low- to high-value uses. If Congress funded those benefits The VHA aims to schedule at the moment it committed troops to medical appointments within 14 battle, Members of Congress would days. In 2014, whistleblowers and approach that decision differently. watchdogs exposed that “more than Going to war would have required 57,000 veterans have been waiting 90 them to take the unpopular steps of days or longer for an initial medical spending less on other priorities or appointment.” Actual waits were further increasing taxes. In marginal much longer because 60 percent of cases, pre-funding veterans’ benefits facilities falsified records to make could prevent unnecessary wars or wait times appear shorter. Veterans at Michael F. Cannon end them sooner. a facility in Phoenix waited 115 days That’s not how Congress for appointments. One whistleblower operates. Instead of funding veterans claimed that 40 veterans died waiting Long wait times benefits at the moment it commits for care. persist because the troops to battle, Congress waits until Congress responded by offering to those bills come due. That is often pay for care outside the VHA for such VHA does not have decades later. Disability payments, veterans. In 2019, the Government a price mechanism to for example, typically do not peak Accountability Office found the until 30 to 40 years after the end of a move resources from VHA was hiding that “veterans could military conflict. potentially wait up to 70 calendar days low- to high-value This “pay as you go” approach to see a [non-VHA] provider.” uses. allows Congress to ignore what may In 2021, more than 810,000 be the greatest financial cost of that veterans were still waiting more than a decision. It literally makes it easier month for appointments, while nearly 197,000 waited more than six months. More than 215,000 for Congress to send active-duty personnel off to their veterans waited more than four months for disability and deaths. In marginal cases, such as whether to enter Iraq or when to leave Iraq and Afghanistan, it may well have pension benefits. Rationing-by-waiting causes real suffering. Yet it is changed the outcome. Congress should improve veterans benefits while sort of a run-of-the-mill failure that plagues all socializedmedicine systems that completely banish prices, like eliminating the current system’s perverse pro-war Canada’s Medicare and the British National Health Service. incentives. RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

Congress should pre-fund veterans benefits by the VHA to compete for non-veterans would force increasing active-duty pay. Pay increases should be large incumbent health care providers nationwide to improve on enough to enable all military personnel to purchase a standard dimensions of quality where the VHA is strong and they package of private life, disability, and health insurance are weak, like coordinating care, conducting effectiveness comparable to what the VA provides. Pay increases should research, and offering conveniences like electronic therefore vary according to the risks to which each service communications, scheduling, and medical records. Congress should then member’s job category repair the damage the VA’s exposes them. Service financing structure has members could then choose Instead of funding veterans done to current veterans by among private insurers that benefits at the moment it commits transferring ownership of compete to offer them the the VHA to them. In 2021, troops to battle, Congress waits best deal. the VA estimated the value Pegging salary until those bills come due. of its physical capital and increases to risk means That is often decades later. investments at $36 billion. that, when military action Privatizing the VHA would increases the risk of servicetransfer those resources to related illnesses, injuries, and death, military pay would automatically rise to keep veterans—and give the VHA’s clients the choice of a health pace with the greater risk and the resulting higher insurance system run by veterans, for veterans. The right reforms would deliver less war, fewer dead premiums. Military personnel would draw on that coverage and disabled veterans, and better veterans’ benefits. RF after they leave the service. Privatization of the VHA would improve health care for veterans and nonveterans alike. The VHA is the largest Michael F. Cannon is director of health policy studies at integrated health system in the nation. Its financing and the Cato Institute and author of Recovery: A Guide to delivery system does not exist in most markets. Allowing Reforming the U.S. Health Sector (Cato Institute, 2023).

At Otsuka, we hold a deep respect for the value of every mind. We will not rest until mental illnesses and brain diseases are approached with the same priority and urgency as our physical health and recognized as chronic diseases that warrant early, equitable, and accessible intervention. Through products, programs, policies, and advocacy, Otsuka-people will defy any limitation that stands in their way until every mind is valued. Discover our commitment to health for every mind

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

July 2023

01US23EUC0200

News & Events

Armstrong, Beatty, Krishnamoorthi & Smith Honored with 2023 Roosevelt Leadership Awards WASHINGTON, DC — With trust in more. And it is in that spirit that we present nor defeat.” government at an all-time low, The Ripon the 2023 Roosevelt Leadership Awards.” “The four leaders we honor tonight Society and Franklin Center for Global According to Conzelman, the award embody these qualities and more,” ConPolicy Exchange honored four leaders in was established with one premise in zelman remarked. “Between them, they Congress — two Republicans and two mind – namely, that there is a lot of good, have over 60 years of service at every Democrats — for their efforts to rebuild thoughtful work being done on Capitol level of government. Individually, they that trust and make government work bet- Hill and in Washington that people do have made their mark in many important ter on behalf of the American people. not regularly hear about. To that end, the ways. On behalf of the membership of The The leaders were U.S. Representa- Roosevelt Leadership Award honors those Ripon Society and Franklin Center, it is an tives Kelly Armstrong (R/ND-AL), Joyce leaders: honor to recognize them for their leaderBeatty (D/OH-3), Raja ship, their service, and their Krishnamoorthi (D/IL-8), commitment to bold thinking and Adrian Smith (R/NEand new ideas over the course 3). The four were presented of their careers.” with the 2023 Roosevelt Conzelman noted that Leadership Award, an honthis is the eighth year the or that is given annually in Roosevelt Leadership Awards the spirit of America’s 26th have been presented. Last President and is intended year’s awards dinner was held to recognize leaders who in Austin and featured visits to embody some of the same the Lyndon Johnson Library qualities and characteristics and Museum and the George that Theodore Roosevelt H.W. Bush Library and Mudisplayed throughout his seum in College Station. In life and career. 2021, the dinner was held in This year’s awards Charlottesville and included dinner was held on Saturvisits to Thomas Jefferson’s day, September 16, in the Monticello and James Maditown of Keystone, South son’s Montpelier. The 2019 Dakota, and was followed awards celebration was held 2023 Roosevelt Award honorees Raja Krishnamoorthi, Joyce Beatty, Adrian Smith, and Kelly Armstrong at Mount by a visit to the lighting cerat the John F. Kennedy Library Rushmore on September 16. emony at Mount Rushmore, and Museum in Boston, while less than four miles away. the 2018 awards were pre“It is fitting that we are meeting here -Who have a sense of duty and ser- sented at the Richard Nixon Library and this year,” stated Jim Conzelman, the Pres- vice driven by a love of country. Museum in Yorba Linda. ident & CEO of The Ripon Society and -Who possess a desire to do what is in The 2017 celebration was held in Franklin Center in remarks to kick-off the the best interests of the American people – New York and included visits to Theodore event. “You see, 100 years ago — in 1923 regardless of party, and regardless of who Roosevelt’s home at Sagamore Hill and — the Secretary of the South Dakota State gets the credit; and, Franklin Roosevelt’s estate and museum Historical Society gave a speech in which -Who embody the qualities that The- in Hyde Park. In 2016, the awards celebrahe first proposed the construction of ‘a co- odore Roosevelt spoke of when he said: tion was held at the George W. Bush Presilossal monument ... carved in the granite of “The credit belongs to those who are ac- dential Center in Dallas, while the inauguthe Black Hills.’ tually in the arena, who strive valiantly; ral Roosevelt Awards in 2015 were held at “Clearly, a lot has changed in our who know the great enthusiasms, the great the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, Nation over the years. But one thing that devotions, and spend themselves in a wor- and included a visit to President Reagan’s hasn’t changed is the importance of bold, thy cause; who at best know the triumph historic ranch atop the Santa Ynez Mounhonest leadership, and the need for great of high achievement; and who, at worst, if tain range northwest of Santa Barbara. men – and great women – in government. they fail, fail while daring greatly, so that More information about this year’s It is in that spirit of leadership and service their place shall never be with those cold Roosevelt Award Honorees can be found that we meet here tonight at Mount Rush- and timid souls who know neither victory on the following two pages. RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

2023 ROOSEVELT LEADERSHIP AWARD HONOREES KELLY ARMSTRONG

First elected in 2018, Congressman Armstrong serves as the At-Large Representative for the Rough Rider State. Being from Dickinson, which is home to the Theodore Roosevelt Center at Dickinson State University, Congressman Armstrong has lived a life filled with TR – he grew-up near Theodore Roosevelt National Park; coached the Roughriders American Legion baseball team; served on the Teddy Roosevelt Bully Pulpit Board; and his family won a Rough Rider Award for their community work. We’ll return to TR later, but we’re here tonight to recognize Congressman Armstrong, who as Vice Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee has established himself as a leader in energy independence and security, in spurring energy innovation, and on permitting reform. As co-founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Second Chance Task Force, he’s striving to make life easier for ex-offenders by expanding access to expungement and increasing job opportunities. Congressman Armstrong is now one of the go-to House Republicans when it comes to righting wrongs in our nation’s justice system, including correcting the unfair federal sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine, reforming civil asset forfeiture, and strengthening the oversight of federal prisons. He’s someone in Congress working to better things which don’t grab headlines but will improve the lives of all Americans, like moving the Notary process into the 21st Century. And he’s enacted laws to increase access to mental health and addiction treatment. A true leader who does what is rights, the Congressman was one of 39 Republicans to vote last year in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act, mandating federal recognition for same sex marriages. For our final Theodore Roosevelt quote of the night, we’ll draw from our 26th president’s first major public speech. On July 4, 1886 – in Dickinson, North Dakota – TR said: “Much has been given to us, and so much will surely be expected from us; and we must take heed to use right the gifts entrusted to our care.” For working to further the gifts of our nation, and his hard work on behalf of the people of North Dakota, it is our honor to present the 2023 Roosevelt Leadership Award to the Honorable Kelly Armstrong.

JOYCE BEATTY

Since joining the House in 2013, the gentlelady from Columbus has led in many areas which embody her commitment to marginalized communities and ensuring fairness for all. As a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, Representative Beatty worked to increase diversity in banking and finance. This includes advocacy for her “Beatty Rule,” which would require the Federal Reserve to consider ethnically and gender-diverse candidates for the heads of its 12 regional banks. Additionally, she passed a law to lift outdated restrictions that prevented those with past criminal records from working in the banking sector. A champion of education, the Representative promoted financial literacy for all. And teachers still benefit from her permanent extension of the tax deduction for educators who pay for classroom supplies out of their own pockets. In Congress she’s raised awareness of and increased research for two potentially devastating brain injuries – concussions and strokes. The latter of which she is a survivor of – and of which she serves as an inspiration to many. Other bipartisan work by her resulted in several laws to thwart the horrific crime of human trafficking. Her efforts shut down the websites which enabled sex trafficking, and she passed laws to assist the victims of such awful experiences. As chair of the Congressional Black Caucus during the 117th Congress, Representative Beatty led her group to tremendous accomplishments including the creation of the Juneteenth Federal Holiday; finally making lynching a federal crime; and playing a critical role in the Biden Administration passing its bipartisan infrastructure law. Finally, we’d like to recognize her as the co-founder of the Congressional Civility and Respect Caucus, which brings to mind a quote by Theodore Roosevelt, who once said: “Courtesy is as much the mark of a gentleman – or gentlelady – as courage. If we respect ourselves, we individually show both qualities; and, in our collective capacity, we should demand of our Representatives that the nation show both.” For her dedication to fairness and righting injustices, and her ongoing efforts to inject more civility into the Arena, it is our honor to recognize Representative Joyce Beatty as a recipient of the 2023 Roosevelt Leadership Award. 34

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

2023 ROOSEVELT LEADERSHIP AWARD HONOREES RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI

The child of immigrants and born in New Delhi, the Congressman came to the U.S. when he was only three months old. Throughout his lifetime and now in his fourth term on Capitol Hill, he’s embodied the Theodore Roosevelt quote that, “Americanism is a question of spirit, conviction, and purpose, not of creed or birthplace.” In Congress, he’s established a reputation as a serious legislator, and bipartisan doer by enacting several proposals into law. Early in his House career, the Congressman co-authored a law to expand career and technical education programs. In the wake of Covid-19, he wrote a law to promote the mental health of some of the major heroes of the pandemic – health care providers. And his work in the House has resulted in the enactment of a law to prevent distracted driving. He’s a leader in Congress on renewable energy, in particular solar energy. And he is leading in promoting innovation in the energy sector – including recently writing an op-ed with fellow honoree Representative Kelly Armstrong on the promise of nuclear fusion. But Congressman Krishnamoorthi has really made a name for himself on Capitol Hill as a leader in the intelligence arena, and the challenges our country faces with China. As a senior member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, he’s authored multiple laws to better our nation’s intelligence community, including advancing its research and innovation in AI, and mandating its assessment of “gray zone activities” such as disinformation campaigns or terrorist financing by our adversaries. Through his work as Ranking Member on the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the U.S. and the Chinese Communist Party, the Congressman is doing valuable service by exposing the economic and security threats posed by China, and by shining a light on the human rights atrocities of the CCP. In reflecting upon the wide-ranging undertakings and vast efforts of the Congressman, we’re reminded of another quote by Theodore Roosevelt: “Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” For his hard work in Congress at work that is, indeed, worth doing, it is our great honor to give the 2023 Roosevelt Leadership Award to the Honorable Raja Krishnamoorthi.

ADRIAN SMITH

Since coming to Washington in 2007, Representative Smith has developed a reputation on Capitol Hill as a thoughtful policy expert and a workhorse. And while Representative Smith’s low-profile style doesn’t generate many “clicks” or Cable News hits, his tireless work representing the interests of his district and advancing good policy for over a decade on the Ways and Means Committee has not gone unnoticed. Just last year, as the infant formula shortage crises panicked new mothers, Representative Smith enacted a law to suspend tariffs which replenished the shelves with FDA approved baby formula. A longtime leader in trade, particularly when it comes to the exports from his agriculture-heavy district, he recently rose to become Chairman of the Trade Subcommittee. There he presses the Biden Administration, as he did the Trump and Obama Administrations, to find new markets and pursue free trade agreements, while ensuring past deals are enforced, and spurring them to fight off the protectionist policies of other countries who seek to hurt U.S. ag exports. Representative Smith has used his perch on Ways and Means to champion other issues important to his district such as ethanol and extending the biodiesel tax credit. And passing into law a requirement that our Department of Defense continues serving our soldiers meat – like the beef raised by Nebraskan ranchers. As the longtime co-chair of the Congressional Rural Caucus, Representative Smith has offered bills which tackle the unique challenges facing rural communities, especially in the health care space. As a member of the Health Subcommittee, he’s championed health care innovation and authored a provision of the CARES Act to increase the usage of health technology when treating nursing home patients. When thinking about Congressman Smith’s time on Capitol Hill, we’re reminded of this quote from Theodore Roosevelt. “I have never won anything without hard labor, and the exercise of my best judgment, and careful planning, and working long in advance.” For adeptly playing the long game on many policy concerns and toiling away out of the limelight to make things better for Nebraskans and all Americans, it is our great honor to recognize as a recipient of the 2023 Roosevelt Leadership Award to the Honorable Adrian Smith.

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

Name: Mariannette Miller-Meeks

Occupation: Ophthalmologist (physician) and Congresswoman Previous jobs held: Iowa State Senator, Director of Iowa Dept of Public Health, President, Iowa Medical Society, Chief of Medical Staff, Ottumwa Regional Hospital, Councilor, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Alternate Delegate, American Medical Association, Assistant Professor, University of Michigan and University of Iowa

Your desire to serve others is evident in your distinguished military record. How does your service shape your approach to serving in Congress? A life of service shapes my worldview that I work for the betterment of my district, State and country. It requires some humility, which can be in short supply in DC. What is one piece of advice you have for someone considering joining the U.S. Army today? Absolutely consider it as there is so much to gain, and very little to lose. You gain formal education, discipline, focus, training, experience, tremendous colleagues which may be friends for a lifetime, and the privilege to serve your country. And all of this knowledge and experience is translatable into any workplace, career direction or field and even your personal life. What has been your greatest accomplishment for veterans since being elected to Congress? The Vet Tech Bill, VIP Act, the work we are doing on veteran suicide and PTSD with emerging breakthrough therapies and our push since April 2021 until today to get SIV’s for our Afghan interpreters and allies who risked their lives for our US servicemen and women. If there was one thing you could change in the VA system, big or small, what would it be and why? To deliver high-quality care, with great ease, regardless, of where a veteran lives, and regardless of whether it is at a VA facility, or in the community. 36

RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2023

The Ripon Society 1155 15th Street, NW Suite 550 Washington, DC 20005