Some candidates are campaigning on an increasingly rare credential: military experience
Only about a third of the members of Congress are veterans, a sharp decrease from the World War II and Vietnam eras.
By Desiree D'Iorio, American Homefront ProjectOctober 28, 2024 10:00 am
Government & Politics, Military and Veterans' Affairs, Partner Organizations
Courtesy Nick LaLota campaign
A campaign sign for New York Republican Congressman Nick LaLota references his eight years of service in the Navy. LaLota is facing Democrat John Avlon in the race for New York's first congressional district.
From the American Homefront Project:
For New York Representative Nick LaLota, his U.S. Navy service is a central part of his reelection campaign. It’s how he introduced himself in a recent campaign ad. On his lawn signs, the “o” in his name contains the silhouette of a saluting officer.
The Republican congressman is running for reelection in New York’s first congressional district on eastern Long Island, the seat he’s held since last year.
He said veterans can make great public servants, because the military teaches self-sacrifice and trains troops to put their personal agendas aside to accomplish larger goals.
“That certainly was my training, that you put your ship and your shipmate before yourself,” LaLota said. “And the more time one has in that culture —that selfless culture, that pride-in-country culture, I think the more successful that individual can be in serving government whether it’s an appointed role or an elected role.”
https://www.texasstandard.org/stories/political-candidates-military-experience-veterans-us-congress/
