We were excited when we saw this posted on the Mobilize Us website. After attending the “round table” we are still mystified by the seeming lack of veteran presence there and at the two protests we have attended so far. I learned on a recent podcast that 60% of veterans supported Trump and 40% did not. Why are these individuals who swore an oath to defend the Constitution still on the side-lines? If one actually takes the time to read the section concerning the Veterans Administration in Trump’s “Project 2025”, there is no mystery as to what the ultimate intentions of this president are for the VA: elimination and privatization. His priorities are certainly NOT the welfare of the American veteran–nor, for that matter, do they appear to be the welfare of the majority of the American people.
Clarksville is about an hour NW of us. Craig was stationed at Ft. Campbell right outside of Clarksville in the mid-70’s. There are many veterans in that community so we thought we would find a sizable group gathering for this event. When we arrived there were more organizers than veterans. It was hosted by Tennessee for All with participation of the AFGE (American Federation of Government Employees), IRVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) and a member of the Nashville Metro Council Veterans Caucus. The organizers seemed undaunted by the low participation and everyone went through their talking points. Then we got to the open discussion. There was a very vocal Afghan vet who had done 4 tours and was very connected to the local vet community. He was on disability because of lung damage from burn pits and PTSD. He puts himself out there as an “informal” suicide prevention volunteer – sharing his personal phone number with vets he thinks are at risk. He said that many of the vets like to socialize at the gaming table establishments. I had to ask what that was. Apparently there are places that veterans gather to play all sorts of games (dice and board games) to pass the time. For the organizers, connection with this vet that knowledge of where the vets gather was worth all of the chicken fingers.
An older couple that who were not veterans had driven an hour to attend the event because of their personal concern for the VA and Veterans Services. The woman was looking for ammunition to use with her community that did not share their concern. Specifically, her son’s opinion was “if things are so bad for the vets, why are they not out protesting?”.
The organizers learned that there is a community that wants to protest and there is an avenue of getting to and activating a larger group of veterans. Craig met with the leader of the local chapter of the IAVA who is also affiliated with the local and national American Legion and VFW. He asked Craig if he would be open to writing an OP Ed and perhaps doing some public speaking. Craig said YES to both.
So while we were disappointed about the turnout of vets at this event, we are hopeful that the organizers will keep moving ahead to organize a protest in Clarksville that will draw a sizable and growing group of veterans and a community of concerned people.
Craig and I are going to DC for the June 6th rally Unite for Veterans, Unite for Americans event.
Tamara Unleashed 