“Veterans Can’t Sit This One Out” TCN Founder Chris Purdy in Just Security

Founder of The Chamberlain Network Chris Purdy published an op-ed in Just Security, issuing an urgent call to action for veteran service organizations (VSOs) and veterans

“America’s democracy is built on strong institutions, including an apolitical military and an independent civil service that are supposed to serve the people, not the interests of a single leader. These institutions aren’t just symbols of democracy; they are its foundation. Right now, President Donald Trump’s administration is deliberately dismantling that foundation.” shared Purdy

“VSOs and veterans have an opportunity to act as defenders of the democratic institutions that make their advocacy possible in the first place. While these organizations exist to uphold the interests of veterans, we know veterans are not served by a government that removes oversight, weakens institutions, and strips away checks and balances.

But we can’t wait for VSOs alone to act. Every veteran has a role to play. Congress needs to hear from us directly. Lawmakers are already facing backlash at town halls, where constituents are demanding answers for the administration’s attacks on democratic institutions. Veterans have a unique credibility in these spaces—not just as constituents, but as people who have served and sacrificed for this country…Our voices carry weight, and our presence signals that what’s happening is bigger than politics—it’s about protecting the values we swore an oath to defend.

Read the full piece here in Just Security.