May 30th, 2016

 

Dear Senator McCain,

I am writing on Memorial Day to ask that you, as one of the most visible and well-respected members of our military community, denounce the candidacy of Donald J. Trump to assume to role of Commander in Chief of the United States military.  His vitriolic attacks against minority groups threaten to create discord within the ranks of our racially and ethnically diverse armed forces.

Our military has been at the forefront of advancements in American race relations since the formation of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment in 1863.  The Regiment’s attack on Fort Wagner, South Carolina, during the American Civil War proved that black soldiers could fight with the same courage and determination as their white brothers in arms, and served as the opening salvo of a long campaign to secure equal opportunity within American society.

Would the sacrifice of black soldiers be appreciated by a Commander in Chief who is overtly antagonistic towards the “Black Lives Matter” movement and dismissive of the hardships faced by the African-American community?

Since then, minority groups have continued to earn valor and respect under the gravest of circumstances.  The Japanese-American soldiers who comprised the “Nisei” Battalion were some of the most highly decorated soldiers of World War II while—in a situation reminiscent of the modern day—their families suffered racism and reprisal at the hands of a nation whose fear of a foreign enemy had led to demagoguery at home. 

Would the service of Asian-Americans be valued under an administration who treats their children as “anchor babies” and calls for an end to birthright citizenship?

My grandfather served with Puerto Rican soldiers during the Korean War and my father served on the East German border during the Cold War.  Many Hispanics have fought gallantly for the right to be treated with dignity by a grateful nation, despite knowing that the battle for true equality would last long after the last bullet was fired in a distant conflict.  For many Hispanic immigrants, service in uniform has long been offered as a speedy pathway towards citizenship—one which may be put at risk by a man who wants them deported.

Would the efforts of Hispanics continue to be honored under an administration whose principal policy objective is to build a wall?

I served as an Intelligence Officer in Iraq and Afghanistan and I relied on the support of Muslims to help chase down our adversaries.  The Muslims that I met were horrified that their religion had been high-jacked by terror groups and turned against their own people.  Muslims have worn the uniform of our country for generations, they have served brilliantly in the War on Terror, but now they face increasing antagonism from the very nation which they call home.

Would Muslims continue to risk their lives for us once they are banned from entering the country by a President who threatens the use of torture and the killing of Muslim families?

The Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II recently won the right to be buried at Arlington Cemetery, a hard-fought honor that recognizes the tremendous role of women throughout our military history.  Women have played an increasingly active role in every facet of combat service, but their gains could be shed by a President who treats women with apparent contempt.

Would the service and advancement of women in the military, including the promotion of senior female officers, be put at risk by a man who calls them “fat pigs,” “dogs,” and “disgusting animals?”

Lastly, Senator McCain, your own service record and horrific imprisonment was denounced by a man who believes that his time in a boy’s boarding school was the equivalent of actual combat.  I know that I don’t speak for myself alone when I say that many veterans were horrified by such a comparison and flabbergasted by his attacks on your character. 

Is it possible that other prisoners of war—those captured, tortured, or disabled in combat—would be derided by their own Commander in Chief for being the “losers” who “got caught?”

Our military has prided itself on its ability to place the needs of the nation above the identity politics of race, religion and gender.  The Buffalo soldiers, the Navajo Code Talkers, the Tuskegee Airmen, the Borinqueneers, the Women’s Auxiliary Corps and others have fought battles at home and abroad in their efforts to prove that we can all wear the same uniform in spite of our differences.  A Commander in Chief that offers divisiveness along racial and sectarian lines would jeopardize the spirit of comity that has been built over the last 150 years. 

As a combat veteran, a prisoner of war, a Presidential candidate, and one of our nation’s most respected senior statesmen, I plea that you recognize the risks that Mr. Trump’s candidacy pose to our military and denounce his bid for the White House.

 

Most Sincerely,

 

Ramon Luis Perez

Veteran, United States Air Force

Arlington, VA