People thank me for my service all the time. I appreciate, and I always respond with a kind, “You’re welcome.” But deep down, it makes a lot of vets like myself a bit uncomfortable because we are the lucky ones. We came home. Far too many of our brothers and sisters did not. We carry with us friends who never made it back, and that burden never does leave.
I have never wanted to capitalize on my service. Military service is not a special qualification or status that automatically entitles anyone to political office … and I often see candidates use their service as some kind of unquestionable mandate. I have met and served with quite a few people I would not trust to house-sit our cats.
While I do highlight components of my military experience as qualifications, I would never recommend any one vote for someone simply based off their military service. These aren’t ‘vet chips’ to cash in. I want to earn your vote and your support not just because I did a particular job for 20 years… but because of my translatable experiences, values, and my stated commitment to what I intend to bring to the board.
I want your vote because you trust my judgment, my commitment to the task, my willingness to question the status quo – not because my status as a vet. Military service shaped me, but it does not define me.
(Note: This is not a commentary on the board election or the candidates… just more a general observation from someone on the receiving end of “thank you for your service” more times than I can count. 🙂 )
Leave a Reply