To the Editor:
I rarely comment publicly on political matters taking place at the federal level, as my focus has always been on serving the people of the 128th Assembly District here in New York. But the remarks delivered on Sept. 30 by President Donald Trump and Secretary Pete Hegseth at Quantico compel me to speak out.
What we witnessed was absolutely egregious and an insult to every man and woman who has honorably served this nation. Renaming the Department of Defense as the “Department of War,” mocking service members based on appearance, and even encouraging violence against civilians represent a complete abandonment of the values and principles that underpin our armed forces.
As a proud Army veteran, and the only woman veteran currently serving in the New York state Legislature, I know firsthand that the strength of our military lies not in empty slogans or partisan theatrics, but in discipline, unity and respect for every soldier who raises their hand to serve.
What makes those remarks even more shameful is that they come from an administration that continues to slash resources for veterans and their families. While Hegseth and Trump beat their chests about “warrior ethos,” they are quietly reducing staffing at the Department of Veterans Affairs, delaying critical care and denying Vietnam veterans the benefits they earned decades ago. Our veterans deserve more than hollow applause lines; they deserve competent leadership, robust support and the promise that their sacrifices will be honored, not politicized.
If you support this administration’s reckless and divisive vision for our military, don’t let the words “thank you for your service” leave your mouth. True gratitude means fighting for the health, dignity and well-being of those who have already fought for us. And on that measure, this administration has failed our veterans and failed our country.
Pamela J. Hunter
Speaker Pro Tempore
Member, New York state Assembly
Army veteran
Syracuse