American Veterans Vote, Inc. |
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Newsletter
July 29, 2022
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Bob Wood, LTG (R), US Army
CEO, American Veterans Vote
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Winning At The Ballot Box Is The Main Thing |
“Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing!” barked the Ranger NCO to this lieutenant and other Ranger candidates in training long ago. “Get to the objective and accomplish the Mission!” “Don’t get lost in the B.S.!” Later, I learned the same lesson slightly refined…Focus on the Main Effort!!
Our main effort is to win at the ballot box. In the public square there are just too many “manifest stupitudes” as my old S3 bemoaned as we deployed yet again out of Ft Bragg.
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Every day, there is another blunder, unexplainable action, or “inaccurate statement” loosed on the American people by politicians, bureaucrats, and “talking heads.” Manifest stupitudes. We can’t get caught up, frustrated, or intimidated by the apparent need to dispute, rebut, or educate. WIN AT THE BALLOT BOX.
We urge our many subscribers, allies, and members to do three things to help win enduring change – volunteer and vote or run for office. The candidates have been chosen in Virginia. It matters now more than ever that Veterans engage with campaigns, volunteer in ways big and small, and VOTE. Get your teammates, family, and friends to join with you. September 23 early voting commences. Change must happen on November 8. The Main Effort, the Main Thing must remain the Main Thing.
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On the Fourth of July 2022, Americans celebrated our 246th year of our Independence with parades, picnics, barbecues, and fireworks at family and public gatherings. However, what is the true meaning of this celebration of freedom and the sacrifices that were made in support of the principles of freedom? To understand the true meaning, you must understand history.
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Within Paul's letter to the Romans he writes, "There is no one who does good, not even one" (Rom3:12). George Washington wrote that "Government is a force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master." And to quote the National Center for Constitutional Studies, "if we look back on our American history, we can see evidence that every unconstitutional action has usually been justified because it was for a "good cause." |
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This is why our Constitution was structured to permanently protect the people from the human frailties of their rulers. This is why in recent context, the Roe v Wade "overturn" is so important…and so, this is also why AVV's cause for Constitutional representation is such an imperative.
We pray that we elect representatives who realize they are elected to serve, not to be served and that our Constitution, as marvelously created through Your hand, is one that will preserve our land as one nation, under God and indivisible. “Praesis ut prosis ne ut imperes”—Lead in order to serve, not in order to rule.
Dr. Michael B. “Yama” Hoyes, AVV Member
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Virginia Congressional Updates |
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Robert J. Wittman is the incumbent and Republican candidate. While not a veteran, he was in Army ROTC during college and currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee. The Democrat challenger is Herb Jones who served 10 years active duty in the U.S. Army and ultimately retired a colonel from the U.S. Army Reserves. He served two tours in Iraq as a reservist.
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Elaine Luria is the incumbent and Democrat candidate. She served 20 years in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Commander. She also served on the House Committee on Veteran's Affairs and House Armed Services Commitee. She will face Republican challenger Jennifer Kiggans, who served 10 years in the U.S. Navy as a helicopter pilot, including two deployments to the Persian Gulf. |
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Bobby Scott is the incumbent and Democrat candidate. He received an honorable discharge for service in the Massachusetts National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve. He will face Republican challenger Terry Namkung, who served over 21 years in the U.S. Air Force. |
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Ashton Donald McEachin is the incumbent and Democrat candidate. He has no military service but was the son of a U.S. Army veteran. He will face Republican challenger Leon Benjamin who served in the U.S. Navy from 1986 to 1994. |
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Bob Good is the Republican incumbent. The Democrat candidate is Joshua Throneburg. Neither have military service. |
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Benjamin Cline is the incumbent Republican candidate. He will face Democrat challenger Jennifer Lewis. Neither have military service.
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Abigail Spanberger is the incumbent and Democrat candidate. She has no military service but served as a federal agent in the U.S Postal Inspection Service and later as a CIA case officer. She will face Republican challenger Yesli Vega, a police officer and U.S. Army spouse. |
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Don Byer is the Democrat incumbent and will face Republican challenger Karina Lipsman who spent 10 years in the defense and intelligence communities. Neither have military service. |
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Morgan Griffith is the incumbent and Republican candidate. He has no military service. There are no Democrat challengers at this time. |
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Wendy Wexton is the incumbent and Democrat candidate. She has no military service. The Republican challenger is Hung Cao - a retired U.S. Navy Special Operations Officer and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and Naval Postgraduate School. |
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The Democrat incumbent is Gerry Connolly who has no military service. He will face Republican challenger Jim Myles, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force where he served as a pilot and flight instructor. |
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Preparing For The Mid-Terms |
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Information Drives Our Perspective |
What do you do when the news conflicts with what you see, feel, and hear? You may recall the August 2020 news clip of the reporter standing in front of the burning building in Kenosha, WI with an on-air graphic stating, “Fiery but mostly peaceful.” The inference - nothing to see here.
You must have accurate information to make good decisions. If you limit your news to just one or two sources, you may not be getting a full perspective on things because much of the mainstream news is advocacy rather than reporting. It’s no wonder the news media commands little credibility from the public.
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Election day is November 8 and early voting is September 23 through November 5. Are you ready?
This is your opportunity to scrutinize candidates, weigh their potential effect on the nation, and then decide whether to vote them out or give them consent to govern.
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However, if you mismanage your voter registration in Virginia, you'll likely be restricted to casting a provisional ballot only. Then, the local electoral board will decide whether your vote is counted. Is that what you want?
Know which congressional district you’re in and familiarize yourself with the candidates. Check here by your zip code: | house.gov
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As we approach the mid-terms, the time to volunteer is upon us. AVV is seeking volunteers for:
- Social Media: Create and manage AVV on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and other platforms (multiple positions available)
- Operations and Plans: Event Coordinator, Calendar Manager, Administrative Assistant
- Liaison: Campaign Coordinator; Field Force Organizer
- Finance: Accountant, Membership Coordinator, Data Entry Specialist
- Research Coordinator
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AVV volunteers door knocking in support of the 10th Congressional District |
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Some critics say that our form of government needs to change, but more likely, the root cause of our problems is the people we elect to govern.
As veterans we already have a track record of leadership, discipline, perseverance, and love of country. All levels of government need people like us if our country is to endure. Not convinced? Look around.
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Be an engaged member of the electorate. Without any input from you, lawmakers could follow party or fringe agendas instead of the wishes of their constituency.
As the election approaches, now is a good time to let your congressmen know you're scrutinizing how they've governed - ask them what they've done to earn your vote.
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Please take a minute to complete this short survey. Answering the questions will help AVV get to know Virginia veterans and mission partners.
Simply scan the QR code with your smartphone's camera or QR reader.
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American Veterans Vote, Inc. (AVV) is a volunteer team of Veterans and Civilian Mission Partners who led the Veteran Coalition for Glenn Youngkin. We are a 527 Political Action Committee with a nationally-focused mission to promote the political voice of Veterans and mission partners in support of our three key objectives:
- Support of Veterans and their Families,
- Defense of the Constitution, and
- Promote Our Nation’s Security.
AVV’s goal is to help Veterans maximize their political voice by supporting Veterans’ ability to Vote, Volunteer and Run for Public Office.
"Every Veteran, Every Vote."
We don't speak FOR Veterans... we speak AS Veterans.
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Veterans and Civilian Mission Partners...Join Us! |
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PAID FOR BY AMERICAN VETERANS VOTE |
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