3 days until our troops go unpaid. As the government shutdown drags on, America’s service members and their families are already feeling its harsh consequences. In just a few days, those consequences will intensify, with service members facing mounting financial pressure from rent, bills, and mortgages that don’t wait for delayed paychecks.
Iowa native and veteran Tim Nash, who leads the nonprofit Salute to the Fallen, reflected on his 20 years of service and the multiple shutdowns he has witnessed with a message to lawmakers. “The military is nonpartisan, the military is apolitical,” Nash said. “What we really want to see is both sides of the aisle come together, have some really tough discussions, I’m sure, but really be able to come to that compromise so that we can move forward.”
It is unacceptable that those who bear the heaviest burdens in the defense of our nation now face avoidable hardship at home. The sacrifices of our service members and their families are profound, and the risks they face do not pause because of Congress’ inaction.
It’s time to put our military, our national security, and our country above politics. End the shutdown. Pay our troops.
Hooff Cooksey,
Executive Director, Veterans On Duty
