It is the responsibility of the state to never ask American service members to risk or sacrifice their lives unless it is absolutely necessary. War must always be a last resort. Too often, political ambition, defense contractor influence, and corrupt incentives have pushed this country into conflicts that were unnecessary, poorly justified, or deliberately prolonged. Our leaders have a moral obligation to exhaust every avenue of diplomacy before sending people into harm’s way. The least we can do for those who serve is ensure they are not deployed to satisfy political ego or corporate profit—and that when they return home, they are met with gratitude, respect, and real support, not neglect.

 

When service members come home, they deserve exemplary care for the rest of their lives. I support fully restoring and expanding VA benefits, including comprehensive physical and mental healthcare, assisted living, and long-term care. Any cuts to veterans’ healthcare or services must be reversed, and efforts to weaken or privatize the VA must be stopped. Too often, privatization schemes and budget games funnel money away from care and toward contractors while veterans wait. Instead, we must strengthen the VA by reducing wait times, expanding access in rural areas, and enforcing accountability so veterans receive timely, high-quality care.

 

Mental health care is especially urgent. Too many veterans struggle with PTSD, depression, and the invisible wounds of war, while bureaucratic hurdles and underfunding delay treatment. The rate of veteran suicide remains a national crisis, and it is one compounded by political indifference. I support major investments in mental health treatment, peer support programs, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention for veterans and their families. Care must be accessible, culturally competent, and available without stigma or paperwork designed to deny or delay help.

 

We also have a responsibility to fully care for veterans harmed by toxic exposure during their service. For decades, veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, PFAS, and other hazardous substances were forced to fight their own government for recognition and care—often while defense contractors and polluters avoided accountability. That is unacceptable. I support automatic coverage and simplified claims for service-connected illnesses so veterans can focus on healing, not paperwork or legal battles.

 

Housing and economic stability are fundamental to dignity. No one who served this country should ever be homeless or unable to support their family. I support permanent supportive housing, rental assistance, and rapid rehousing programs to end veteran homelessness. Veterans also make up a significant share of the federal workforce, yet budget cuts and restructuring efforts have disproportionately—and at times illegally—eliminated veteran jobs. These cuts must be reversed immediately, with full restoration of lost pay and benefits. Veterans should never be collateral damage in political budget fights.

 

Transitioning from military to civilian life should be supported, not left to chance. I support strong GI Bill protections, credential and license transfer, apprenticeships, job placement, and small-business support so veterans can build meaningful civilian careers. Caregivers and families also deserve support, including respite care, financial assistance, and help navigating benefits and legal systems that are often unnecessarily complex by design.

 

Our obligation to veterans does not end when they take off the uniform. Honoring their service means rejecting corruption and recklessness before sending them into conflict—and making an ironclad commitment to care for them when they come home. Anything less is a failure of leadership and a betrayal of those who put their lives on the line for this country.