Friend,
The Department of Defense released names of the men who lost their lives in Afghanistan this weekend. The news of soldiers paying the ultimate sacrifice always hits home. Those of us who personally knew friends who died in uniform can’t help but think of the families that they left behind.
Sgt. 1st Class Javier Jaguar Gutierrez, 28, of San Antonio, Texas and Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Rey Rodriguez, 28, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, were assigned to the 7th Group’s 3rd Battalion. Both died “as a result of wounds sustained while engaged in combat operations” in Nangarhar Province in eastern Afghanistan, according to the DoD release.
Like me, I am sure that you will keep these families in your prayers. May they cherish each and every memory of these brave young men.
Our veterans and military families bear the brunt of these extended wars and it is time that we do better. When I am elected to the U.S. Congress, I will press the administration to end the wars on favorable terms and reclaim Congress’s role deciding questions of war and peace. I’ll also work to develop a new national security strategy that strengthens our alliances on the basis of shared democratic values and ensures our ability to project military dominance globally.
Learn more about my background by visiting my website. You will begin to understand why I am passionate about taking care of our brave veterans and their families.
Let’s continue to move forward with honor.
In Solidarity,
Phil Ehr
