Dear John,

At a time of national struggle, with a government in turmoil, it is especially important to honor the members of our military, past and present, who have stood their ground to defend the freedoms we enjoy. We recognize that those who serve are more than soldiers and sailors, they are our friends, family, and neighbors. They are, in times of peace, our co-workers and classmates. They hold the same ideals that we all do, of justice, truth, and fairness. Their sacrifices deserve our respect.

Just a few weeks ago, our country invoked the memory of its founding when we declared, in nearly every city and town, that we will not bow to a king. Those protests brought out millions of people who, despite being characterized as “anti-American” proved the opposite, we are profoundly proud of our country. We love its people and its promise for the future. We will not abandon it. And we stand, united, with those who serve to defend it.

During this government shutdown, members of our military are experiencing hardships including a lack of access to VA services. According to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), 37,000 DVA workers are currently furloughed, impacting the G.I. Bill Hotline, the Veteran Readiness and Employment Program, and grounds maintenance at 157 of the nation’s VA national cemeteries. The lack of mental health resources for our veterans remains at crisis levels and cuts to aid programs like SNAP are sending military families to food pantries. This is unacceptable.

The truth of military service is that these are workers and, like all workers, they deserve protections both on the job and in retirement. It is incumbent on us, as those who believe in union solidarity, to extend that solidarity to our siblings in uniform. They deserve more than just our thanks, they deserve our advocacy and support, now more than ever. We can no longer allow those who rely on labor for profit to drive a wedge between us.

Right now, veteran-led organizations are mobilizing to say no to cuts to healthcare and to active-duty troops deployed in our cities. We owe it to them to stand with them at this time when they need us most.

Thank you to our veterans for the sacrifice and service they exhibit. May each of us take their examples to heart and use the tools at our disposal to let freedom ring, from sea to shining sea.

In Unity,

Claude Cummings Jr.
President