Veterans: Airman’s Death Highlights Cost of Israel’s US-Backed War Beyond Gaza
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT
Jacob Thomas, Communications Director
Veterans: Airman’s Death Highlights Cost of Israel’s US-Backed War Beyond Gaza
WASHINGTON, DC – As Israel’s assault on Gaza approaches its sixth month, with President Netanyahu pledging a large-scale ground assault into Rafah — the last refuge in Gaza for Palestinian civilians — Common Defense is speaking out in response to the tragic death of Airman Aaron Bushnell, who set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in an act of protest against the brutal invasion. This devastating incident highlights the outrage and desperation that many — especially those in the military community - are feeling as the US government continues to enable Prime Minister Netanyahu’s extreme military campaign against Palestinian civilians.
Common Defense continues to demand that the Biden administration call for a cease-fire in Gaza, and for Congress to ensure that US weapons aren’t being used to commit war crimes. As the nation’s largest grassroots veterans organization, Common Defense members also see Airman Bushnell’s death as emblematic of the hidden cost of the ongoing, US-backed war.
"Seeing the destruction inflicted on Gaza day after day is so deeply painful. There might not be US troops on the ground, but we know where JDAMS and other weapons are coming from. These are US weapons being used to kill children and families. It might as well be our war." —Clyde Gunter, US Navy veteran (served 2013-2018)
Leaders may not appreciate the moral injury inflicted on veterans and servicemembers watching their government continue to send US weapons and funding to support a military campaign that has killed nearly 30,000 innocent civilians.
In 2021, another Airman shot himself on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Naveed Shah, Army veteran and Common Defense’s Political Director said, “Service members often wonder if they ever made a difference in the world, which is why it’s so important that our leaders listen and acknowledge the voices of dissent in their ranks, not just dismiss them.”
"This administration has been complicit in supporting a truly horrific military campaign that has led to countless innocent deaths," said Jose Vasquez, Army veteran and Executive Director of Common Defense. "That violence has echoes, especially for veterans. The scenes in Gaza can't help but remind us of things we saw in Iraq and Afghanistan. The cost of these Forever Wars is terrible, and so much larger than people imagine."
For many veterans, service members, and their families, these types of incidents can trigger post-traumatic stress responses. If you or someone you know is struggling with the news of Airman Bushnell’s death, please reach out to a mental healthcare professional. Veterans can dial 988 to utilize the Department of Veteran Affairs Crisis Line.
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Common Defense is a grassroots, veteran-led organization founded in 2016. We empower veterans to stand up for our communities against the rising tide of racism, hate, and violence, to organize against the entrenched power of greedy billionaires who have rigged our economy, and to champion an equitable and representative democracy where “liberty and justice” truly is for all. For too long, politicians from both political parties have attempted to use veterans as unwilling political props. Common Defense serves as a home for veterans to organize and speak for themselves and support the candidates who genuinely share our values. The candidates we endorse reflect our values as an organization, and our member-driven endorsement process ensures that the candidates have grassroots support.