Dwain Northey (Gen X)

An Open Letter from a Veteran

To my brothers and sisters in arms,

First and foremost, I want to thank every single one of you who raised your right hand and took that solemn oath—to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. You stepped forward when others stepped back. You endured the long nights, the endless drills, the deployments, the homesickness, and the heavy weight of responsibility that only those who have worn the uniform truly understand. For your valor, your sacrifice, and your service—I salute you.

Now, in the same breath, allow me to raise something else—my middle finger—to those who so loudly “support the troops” every election season, yet turn around and vote for policies that gut veterans’ healthcare, housing, and mental health services. To the politicians who wrap themselves in the flag while cutting the benefits of the people who defended it—you don’t get to play patriot on TV and penny-pincher in Congress.

It’s easy to slap a yellow ribbon magnet on your SUV or stand for the national anthem, but real support doesn’t come from slogans or soundbites. It comes from action. From funding the VA properly. From ensuring no veteran sleeps on the street. From making sure our families don’t have to fight another battle when we come home.

So to every fellow veteran—thank you for your courage. To every civilian who genuinely supports us—thank you for your compassion.

And to every hypocrite who chants “support our troops” while voting against their well-being—spare us the performance. We’ve seen enough of those overseas.

Respectfully (and unapologetically),

A Veteran Who Still Believes in the Oath