Ripon Forum


Vol. 57, No. 5

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In this edition

With American politics polarized and America facing an increasing number of threats around the world, the 5th Annual Veterans Day Special Edition of The Ripon Forum shines a light on a group of Republican and Democratic leaders who are working across the aisle to take care of our veterans and keep our nation secure.

“A Time to Reflect on the Privilege, Service, and Sacrifice of Veterans.”

Veterans Day is our opportunity to celebrate and thank those who served honorably and returned to build their lives as our fellow citizens.

“Live Everyday According to Their Values: Duty, Honor, and Service…”

More military virtue is needed in Washington. Unfortunately, there are some who seemingly care more about their party than their country.

“A Life of Service is One That is Well-Lived.”

It is critical that we remember those who have fought for our values and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of all we hold dear.

Working Across the Aisle for America’s Veterans

The Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee have put politics aside to fulfill the promise President Lincoln has made to veterans, their families, and their survivors.

Bridging the Partisan Divide for Our Veterans and National Security

In these highly polarized times, Republican and Democratic veteran members of the For Country Caucus are working together to keep America secure and help those who served.

Putting Veterans at the Center of Their Care: If the VA won’t implement the MISSION Act, Congress must step in

If the VA won’t implement the MISSION Act, Congress must step in.

Beyond the Uniform: Veterans Shaping Civic and Political Landscapes

A look at how veterans are shaping the civic and political landscape heading into the 2024 election.

Veterans in the White House: A Brief History of Presidents Who Served

Of the 35 men who have served as President, 31 previously served in uniform, as well.

Housing First Does Nothing to Solve the Homelessness Crisis

Despite spending billions of dollars, the number of homeless individuals has continued to rise.

The VA assists Veterans in a Way the Private System Cannot

We need a system that allows veterans to have options for the best of what VA can offer, as well as the best of what the private sector can offer.

To Protect Service Members and Honor Veterans, Reform the VA

Privatization of the VHA would improve health care for veterans and nonveterans alike.

Ripon Profile of Mariannette Miller-Meeks

Veteran and Lawmaker U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) discusses her career in the military and her job on Capitol Hill.

“A Time to Reflect on the Privilege, Service, and Sacrifice of Veterans.”

In the United States, we set aside two distinct days to honor those who have served in our military. Memorial Day is the day we recognize those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military. Veterans Day is our opportunity to celebrate and thank those who served honorably and returned to build their lives as our fellow citizens.

Veterans Day, for me, is a time to reflect on the Privilege, Service, and Sacrifice of Veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Our Veterans entered the military from different places and experiences, but they each know what a privilege it was to protect and represent the United States at home and abroad. They each volunteered to serve their nation. And they and their families all sacrificed something during their time in the military.

I spent 20 years on active duty as a pilot in the United States Navy and loved every minute of it. It was my childhood dream to fly helicopters and fighter jets, and it was an honor to do so in the defense of our nation. Each day, I marveled at the privilege of working with my superiors, peers, and subordinates, every single one a volunteer. It’s one of those things that can be hard to understand if you haven’t experienced it.

I spent 20 years on active duty as a pilot in the United States Navy and loved every minute of it.

As the Air Boss on the USS Ronald Reagan, I was responsible for over 500 of the ship’s youngest Sailors, many just out of high school. Watching them quickly and safely move aircraft around a crowded aircraft carrier flight deck could amaze, inspire, and enrage me all at once. I was amazed at their skill in taxiing an aircraft so close to the deck that its nose was over the water; I was inspired by their positive attitude after 12 hours of grueling work on a hot flight deck, and I was enraged at the occasional Sailor who would violate safety rules by walking too close to a jet intake.

I think of the “service” part of military service as the work each Veteran did to plan, train for, and accomplish their assigned mission, at home or abroad, in peace or war. For most, it meant long, hard, and ultimately satisfying days. Flying helicopters and fighter jets was fun, but there were hours of preparation and debriefings before and after each mission. The time in between was spent on the necessary (but seemingly endless) inspections, reports, and maintenance work required to keep our aircraft flying and taking care of the young Sailors who made it all happen.

Our service members make sacrifices for the privilege of service, and no two sacrifices are the same. Some paid the price in combat just short of those who we celebrate on Memorial Day, suffering debilitating physical and mental wounds they will carry for life. Others, like me, lost friends in combat and training mishaps. Every Veteran sacrificed time away from their families and loved ones that they can never get back. But it was the unwavering support of their families and loved ones that enabled our Veterans to experience the privilege, service, and sacrifice of being in the armed forces in the first place.

So, on this Veterans Day, you will find me with my wife and children, enjoying the privileges and freedoms our Veterans defended and making up for some of the precious time I lost with them while standing the watch.

Jake Ellzey represents the 6th District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy who rose to the rank of Commander, he served as a fighter pilot and completed his service as the Air Boss on the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier. In his 20 years of service, he was deployed nine times, including to Afghanistan and Iraq, and served five combat tours, four by air and one by ground with Seal Team 5.