Progressive Veterans Back Fellow Veteran Walz for Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 6, 2024

CONTACT: Clyde D. Gunter | clyde@commondefense.us

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Common Defense, the nation’s largest grassroots veterans' organization representing over 400,000 members and veterans, proudly endorses Tim Walz as Vice President Harris’s running mate in this year’s presidential election. This is an outstanding choice by Vice President Harris that should resonate with many Americans, including veterans, parents, teachers, the LGBTQ+ community, union members, and many more, thanks to the person he is and the policies he has championed.

“During these turbulent times, with Republicans sowing chaos and threatening what seems to be every right we have, it’s truly reassuring to see Vice President Harris choose a running mate who genuinely understands our struggles. As a working parent, Tim Walz's background as a former teacher and coach, and his commitment to passing the universal free lunch bill in Minnesota, speaks volumes to me. As a veteran who reached the highest enlisted rank in his branch, he represents someone who knows the challenges we veterans face firsthand. This choice feels like it’s for everyday Americans and veterans like myself.” said Jose Vasquez, Army veteran and Common Defense’s Executive Director.

“I moved to Minnesota a decade ago after my time in the military. I’ve seen how Governor Walz, a fellow veteran, has done so much good for our communities here in Minnesota. With him joining VP Kamala Harris, we can show what good governance, progressive values, and a commitment to service looks like! Proud to have a fellow enlisted service member on this ticket!” — Jacob Thomas, Air Force Veteran, Communications Director for Common Defense, and Minnesota Resident.

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Common Defense Civic Engagement is a grassroots, veteran-led organization that was 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 powers that 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, and Common Defense serves as a home for veterans to organize and speak for themselves and support the candidates who truly share our values.