Leave No American Behind: Support policies that help every American

Carlos Martinez

Brigadier General, USAF, (Ret)

Brigadier General Carlos Martinez | La Voz

Donald Trump cares more about appearances than the sacrifices of our military and their families. This reality becomes evident when we compare his actions and rhetoric with the selfless courage demonstrated by Medal of Honor (MOH) recipients, many of whom sacrificed their lives in service to their comrades and country.

The MOH, established in 1861, has been awarded to over 3,500 individuals whose stories are a testament to their bravery and selflessness. These recipients acted without concern for their own safety and without regard for the race, sex, religion, national origin, or economic background of their fellow service members. Their actions were driven by an instinctive understanding that all lives mattered equally and that no one should be left behind. This ethos is the foundation of military service, where the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood transcend all other differences.

Throughout my four decades of military service, I have seen this ethic in action countless times. My fellow servicemen and women shared a common belief that we were all responsible for each other’s safety and well-being. This sense of duty extended beyond the battlefield, where the military's robust support system provided food, shelter, and medical care to all members, regardless of rank or background. This system, rooted in the principles of mutual respect and care, is something I always believed should be extended to the broader American community—a community we swore to protect and defend.

However, there is a stark contrast between the values we hold dear in the military and the attitudes that some Americans, including Donald Trump, have espoused. Trump’s focus on appearances, wealth, and personal success stands in direct opposition to the sacrifices made by our military. He has repeatedly demonstrated a lack of understanding and respect for the true nature of service, where the measure of a person is not in their wealth or status, but in their willingness to put others before themselves.

Trump’s actions and statements over the years have shown a pattern of valuing some lives more than others, particularly those who fit into his vision of success. This mindset is evident in his policies and rhetoric, which often place blame on individuals for their lack of success, ignoring systemic issues and the role of government in supporting those in need. This approach is antithetical to the military's core belief that we are all responsible for each other.

Imagine how our military would function if we approached our duties with Trump’s mindset. What if, before deciding to help a trapped or fallen comrade, we first questioned whether they deserved to be saved? Should we assess whether they were somehow responsible for their predicament? Did they forget their equipment, or were they just unlucky? Such thinking would destroy the trust and unity that are essential to military effectiveness. It is precisely because we do not think this way that our military has been so successful. We care for each other, regardless of who we are or where we come from.

Given this, it’s time for military members to apply this ethic beyond the battlefield and embrace the idea of "Leave no American Behind." We should support policies that help all Americans succeed, just as we support each other in the military. This means advocating for social support systems that provide the same types of benefits we have relied on—such as healthcare, housing, and education—to all Americans, especially those most in need.

In this election year, the contrast between the two political parties could not be clearer. On one side, we have leaders like Kamala Harris who understand the importance of community, support, and inclusion. On the other side, we have self-serving individuals like Donald Trump, who prioritize their own interests over the well-being of others. Trump’s approach is the exact opposite of everything we in the military have been trained to value. His focus on appearances and personal success undermines the very principles that have made our military, and our country, strong.

The sacrifices of our military and their families deserve more than just lip service. They deserve leaders who understand and embody the values of service, sacrifice, and mutual respect. As we approach the election, it is crucial that we support candidates who will uphold these values and reject those who only care about appearances. Our democracy, like our military, depends on leaders who are committed to the well-being of all, not just the privileged few.