Stan Albaugh: Trump doesn’t support and respect our veterans and Gold Star families

As a retired Colonel and former commander, I cannot remain silent about comments regarding prisoners of war, veterans, and those fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  Part of my duty as an Air Force officer was to protect and advocate for my airmen and women. To this day, I still take that role very seriously, so I have an obligation to speak up when disparaging comments are made about those truly patriotic Americans who understand that service to our country is its own reward. That is what’s in it for them. To suggest otherwise is insulting and unpatriotic, and should be openly denounced by all Americans regardless of our political leanings.

I served our nation for over thirty years and during that time, I stood with the best and the bravest Americans I have ever known. We were tasked with doing the impossible every day. And we did. Many servicemembers still carry the heavy load of war today, decades after their service.  Many lost comrades who gave their lives while fighting to protect our country and I will not  – I cannot – say nothing while the memory of that sacrifice is belittled and scorned. Now more than ever, we need to stand with our veterans, their families, and most especially our gold star families. We must reject the ugly, divisive rhetoric about those warriors that is contrary to everything our country stands for. If our elected officials are unwilling to speak out when the Commander in Chief disrespects and disparages those who gave their lives for this country, then they do not deserve the honor of holding those offices.