JD Vance and I had the same job in the military
Here’s why he needs to stop disparaging others’ service
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…
