JD Vance and I had the same job in the military

Here’s why he needs to stop disparaging others’ service

An Air Force combat cameraman on assignment in Iraq, 2006–2007. (Source: https://www.jbcharleston.jb.mil/News/Article/237293/combat-camera-airmen-receive-best-in-dod-honors/)

As soon as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was announced as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, opponents started attempting to “swiftboat” Walz’ military service record. As reprehensible as that is, I wasn’t surprised in the least. What was surprising and deeply disappointing was discovering that the Republican VP nominee, JD Vance, had the same MOS (military occupational specialty) in the service as I did — and many people, including the media, are trying to retaliate by denigrating his service.

The fallout from this is harming other veterans. Like Vance, they served in roles that — on paper — were “noncombat” jobs, like supply, transportation, medical and support services. Yet they serve in combat zones with their faces to the enemy, just like their comrades who hold “combat” jobs — infantry, artillery, aerial warfare and special forces. They stand on that wall, too.

Before getting started, understand that I am a staunchly independent voter, and I’m horrified at what the Republican Party has mutated into. I’m not above writing a hit piece to “get back” at Vance.

But I’m also a veteran, and I served in a theater of war. I put up with the same jokes that every rear-echelon soldier has to put…