Ripon Forum


Vol. 58, No. 5

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In This Edition

With over 14 million Americans currently caring for a veteran or military service member in the United States, the 6th Annual Veteran Day Special Edition of The Ripon Forum examines the challenges facing these hidden heroes and what policymakers can do to support them.

“It’s a Day When I Reflect Upon What Made My Own Service so Meaningful.”

With shaven heads and fresh uniforms, we each sworn the same oath to support and defend the United States. In that moment, our differences faded away.

“Being a veteran means being a part of something bigger than yourself.”

No matter their background, whenever I speak to a fellow veteran there is a glimmer of recognition that can only come from our shared service.

“Honoring Our Brothers and Sisters Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice.”

As a combat veteran myself, I know the sacrifices made, the courage shown, and the dedication it takes to serve.

America’s Hidden Heroes

There are over 14 million military & veteran caregivers in the United States in the U.S. And according to the CEO of the Dole Foundation, they need our help.

Safeguarding Sacrifice: Improving Military Quality of Life

Military families make unimaginable sacrifices on behalf of our nation, and it is our responsibility to ensure we provide for their basic needs.

Rebuilding Integrity and Trust at VA

Recent instances of mismanagement have left veterans waiting for services and highlight the need for greater accountability within VA.

Comprehensive Support, Data Hold Answers to Veteran Suicide Crisis

Military families make unimaginable sacrifices on behalf of our nation, and it is our responsibility to ensure we provide for their basic needs.

SkillBridge is a Win for Veterans, a Win for Business, and a Win for America

Military service creates unparalleled opportunities for young Americans. Whether you serve in the infantry, fix jets, or provide supportive services, the military teaches young men and women how to think critically, be effective leaders, embrace change, and work as a team. These skillsets are becoming more and more valuable to corporate America. Over the last […]

Beyond “Thank You for Your Service”

Veterans face conflicting perceptions, on the one hand seen as being prone to violence, on the other hand seen as a hero and placed on a pedestal.

Beyond the Uniform

In 2010, a Marine Corps veteran saw the destruction caused by the Haiti earthquake and felt compelled to help. He, along with seven others, saw an opportunity to use their skills in a time of need and took the initiative to organize and deploy, aiding hundreds of the injured. Fifteen years later, this group has […]

Should Military Commissaries be Privatized? Yes…

It it will better serve our troops and their families

Should Military Commissaries be Privatized? No…

For struggling military families, commissaries are more important than ever

Ripon Profile of Tony Gonzales

Tony Gonzales discusses how his service in uniform has shaped his career.

“Honoring Our Brothers and Sisters Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice.”

As Veterans Day approaches, I’m filled with gratitude for the brave men and women who’ve proudly worn our nation’s uniform. As a combat veteran myself, I know the sacrifices made, the courage shown, and the dedication it takes to serve. For veterans like me, this day is not just about looking back on our own service, but about honoring our brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice.

It’s not just the deployments or the battles we face in the field — it’s the battles we face within when we come back that we must continue to fight. The transition back to civilian life is often the toughest fight of all. That’s why our support for veterans can’t end with just a thank you once a year. It’s important we show up every day and fight for them, the same way they fought for us and our freedom.

Our veterans deserve access to top-tier healthcare, mental health services, and opportunities to succeed in civilian life. In Congress, I’ve worked hard to make sure they get exactly that. We’ve made real progress this year with legislation focused on improving VA care and giving veterans more resources to combat PTSD and other mental health challenges. But the mission is far from over.

As a combat veteran myself, I know the sacrifices made, the courage shown, and the dedication it takes to serve.

For every veteran who makes a smooth transition, there’s another still struggling to find their footing. Veterans need better support to bridge that gap — to make sure no veteran is left behind. That means expanding mental health care, breaking down the stigma around innovative solutions like psychedelic therapies, and creating job opportunities that match the skills veterans bring home.

When it comes to taking care of our veterans, we can’t rely on the same old approaches. Since coming to Congress, it has been a top priority of mine to effect change in the mental health space.  As someone who’s seen firsthand the toll combat takes and has experienced the healing from psychedelic therapy, I understand that traditional methods don’t always work for everyone. There is simply no ‘one-size fits all’ approach. That’s why I’m pushing hard to bring innovative treatments to the forefront. These emerging therapies are game changers that can provide veterans with an additional tool they can use to truly recover.

I will always fight for more for our veterans because I understand just how important our obligation is to support the veterans who have served and sacrificed for our country.

To all my veterans out there, happy Veterans Day. From one veteran to another, I would like to thank you personally for your service to our country, from our wars past, to our conflicts currently, to whatever happens in the future. Take Veterans Day to celebrate with your family and friends. Reflect with each other and remember those that we’ve lost. Thank you for providing the blanket of freedom that we sleep under every night.

God bless our veterans, and God bless the United States of America.

Luttrell represents the 8th District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives.  A 5th generation Texan who was raised on a horse ranch, Morgan enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduating college. In 2009, he survived a deadly helicopter crash that left him with a broken back and a traumatic brain injury. Determined to get back in the fight with his teammates, Morgan rehabbed, recovered, and returned to the frontline. Following an honorable 14-year military career, Morgan retired from the Navy in 2014 and applied his personal success and experience to help fellow veterans recover from PTSD and traumatic brain injuries sustained in battle.