Serving our nation in uniform DOES NOT, nor should it, automatically qualify someone for continued service in political office. That said, those who HAVE previously raised their right hand, sworn an oath, and donned the uniform of our military services DO bring with them some unique skills and learning experiences. 

• VETERANS have learned the meaning of TEAMWORK. Military service demands that one become part of a team composed of different individuals with divergent and often opposing ideas, and learn to work together to achieve a common mission.

• VETERANS understand that DUTY, SERVICE, and PATRIOTISM are non-partisan and all-inclusive.

• VETERANS have disciplined themselves to follow direction, while at the same time learning how to LEAD. Military service may in fact, be the "ivy league" of institutions in LEADERSHIP training.

• VETERANS in general, and Combat Veterans in particular, have learned to face crisis and unbelievably difficult problems with the confidence necessary to resolve the kind of problems few outsiders can ever imagine, much less experience.

• VETERANS have demonstrated their commitment to service, their personal sense of duty and obligation, and their love of country.

"For those who have fought for it, 
freedom has a taste the protected will never know."

During, and in the years following every war in our nation's history, veterans of that war have comprised major blocks in Congress. Such is no longer the case. 

• In the 110th Congress only 100 of the 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives are veterans, down from a high of 320 during the Vietnam War.
• In the 110th Congress only 29 members of the U.S. Senate are veterans, down from a high of 69 during the Vietnam War.

VETERANS PREFERENCE:

"Veterans Preference" is a practice in hiring used by the Federal Government. Since the time of the Civil War, veterans of the Armed Forces have been given some degree of preference in appointments to Federal jobs. Recognizing their sacrifice, Congress enacted laws to prevent veterans seeking Federal employment from being penalized for their time in military service. Veterans' preference recognizes the economic loss suffered by citizens who have served their country in uniform, restores veterans to a favorable competitive position for Government employment, and acknowledges the larger obligation owed to disabled veterans.

In the PRIVATE sector, many employers also provide a Veterans Preference in hiring, often based upon the fact that veterans of military service have learned life skills (like those listed above) and job skills that put them ahead of their contemporaries. 

Most veterans' organizations, as well as individual veterans, highly support the concept of Veterans Preference in HIRING. This then begs to question, when all things are generally equal between two candidates and one is trying to decide on whom to vote for in an election, could not the same be said for voting.

There can be little doubt that we need more military veterans serving in Washington, D.C., in our various state capitols, as well as in local government. We owe a salute to all who have served in uniform, regardless of their political party affiliation. These pages will introduce you to men and women who have answered the Call of Duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, and who now aspire to continue their service in Washington, D.C. NONE are endorsed, these pages exist only to help you get to know them as you seek to determine whom you will vote for. Certainly, you are encouraged to vote for the candidate you believe is best, but when weighing your options, why not consider exercising:

Veterans Preference in Voting