100 Vets. One Mission. Help Us Defend the VA

 

The VA is under attack—and the fight is already here. Trump’s allies in Congress, backed by JD Vance and Elon Musk, are pushing to gut the Department of Veterans Affairs and privatize the care our communities fought for. VA clinics are closing. Services are being slashed. Veterans are being forced to wait longer, travel farther, or go without care altogether. This isn’t hypothetical. It’s happening right now. That’s why we’re bringing 100 veterans to Washington, D.C. from May 5–9 to stand up and say:  The VA is not for sale. We’ll meet with lawmakers, rally in the streets, and make damn sure the voices of veterans are heard loud and clear. But we can’t do this alone. We need your help to get there. Can you chip in to help cover the cost of travel, lodging, and meals for veterans heading to D.C.? This work takes serious resources, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. We’re going up against billionaires and political operatives who want to strip veterans of our care and hand it over to the highest bidder. We won’t let them. But we need you with us. Every donation, regardless of the amount, helps fuel this mobilization and keeps our movement strong. Let’s show them what people power looks like. In solidarity, Common Defense 251 West 30th New York, NY 10001 United States

DONATE Don't want to donate online? Mail us a check! Common Defense Civic Engagement | 251 W 30th St, 5th Fl, New York, NY 10001 PAID FOR BY COMMON DEFENSE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Act Now: Tell Congress to Bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia Home

 

ALL WHO WERE ILLEGALLY DEPORTED WITHOUT DUE PROCESS NEED 

TO BE BROUGHT HOME!

KILMAR ABREGO IS ONLY ONE OF THE INNOCENTS THAT ICE GESTAPO 

DEPORTED WHO WERE NOT CRIMINALS! 

DEFYING COURT ORDERS! VIOLATING THE CONSTITUTION! 

ICE GASTAPO EVEN DEPORTED WOMEN! 

Kilmar Abrego Garcia was wrongfully deported by the Trump administration, even though a federal court ordered them not to. Now, he’s being held in a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, facing terrifying conditions and stripped of the legal protections he was promised. This is about more than one man — it’s about the future of our democracy. The Trump administration is violating the rights of an individual and openly defying the judicial branch. They’re using fearmongering and false claims to justify illegal deportations, ignore court rulings, and silence anyone who pushes back. That should alarm every single one of us, especially veterans. We took an oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. That oath doesn’t end when our service does. Defending the Constitution means holding those in power accountable when they trample on the rule of law. This is a moment to rise — to show what true patriotism looks like. We need Congress to act immediately: To demand the safe return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia To push back against a lawless executive branch And to reaffirm that in America, nobody is above the law. The most powerful thing you can do right now is raise your voice. Send a letter to your members of Congress demanding action. It takes less than a minute, and it sends a clear message: Veterans are watching, and we will not stay silent while our democracy is under threat. Let’s do what we’ve always done — stand up for justice, accountability, and the country we believe in. With urgency and determination, Common Defense 251 West 30th New York, NY 10001 United States

DONATE Don't want to donate online? Mail us a check! Common Defense Civic Engagement | 251 W 30th St, 5th Fl, New York, NY 10001 PAID FOR BY COMMON DEFENSE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

ICE Ambushed a U.S. Army Veteran—Demand His Release Now

Late last week, ICE agents ambushed and detained U.S. Army veteran Marlon Parris as he was leaving for work. Marlon, who served three tours in Iraq, has lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident for over 20 years—yet he was targeted in an unjust arrest that ripped him from his community and family. This is outrageous and unacceptable. Common Defense, led by our veteran members on the ground in Arizona, is demanding his immediate release and a thorough investigation into the ICE protocols that led to the unjust detainment of a U.S. Army veteran. We have been raising the alarm that Trump's inhumane agenda of mass deportations would mean that far too many people — including veterans — would be unfairly caught up in our already broken immigration enforcement system. If veterans who served our country are not safe from Trump's unjust deportations, then no one is safe. We must fight back and ensure that our brother-in-arms, Marlon, is immediately released and back home safely with his family. Add your name now to stand with Marlon and call for justice. We cannot allow ICE to continue these reckless and targeted attacks. If it can happen to a combat veteran who served this country, it can happen to anyone. Take action now. Thank you for standing up. In solidarity, Common Defense 251 West 30th New York, NY 10001 United States

DONATE Don't want to donate online? Mail us a check! Common Defense Action Fund | 251 W 30th St #317, New York, NY 10001 PAID FOR BY COMMON DEFENSE ACTION FUND

Common Defense: Thank You for Signing – Now Share the Petition for Ceasefire!

CORRUPT NETANYAHU IS EXPANDING HIS WAR & DRAWING THE U.S. INTO 

IT....NO MORE ENDLESS WARS! IT'S TIME TO INSIST ON A CEASEFIRE! 

THERE IS NO MILITARY SOLUTION!

You signed onto our petition to the Biden Administration for a ceasefire in Gaza, and now, with the recent escalations, we are asking you to take another step and share it with your fellow veterans and military family members so this violence can finally end. Israel's military operation in Gaza has claimed over 41,000 Palestinian lives, mostly civilians. While Hamas' attack was horrific, Israel's response has been equally devastating, putting even Israeli hostages held by Hamas at risk. With only 15% of Gaza considered "safe," vast areas are uninhabitable. We cannot allow this to become another forever war—especially without accountability for U.S. involvement. This is why Common Defense and Breaking the Silence—U.S. and Israeli military veterans—are calling on President Biden and Congress to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire. The violence has gone on far too long, and it's time for the U.S. to use its diplomatic power to stop this war. We need your help to make sure President Biden takes action. __SHARE OUR PETITION AND ASK A FRIEND TO SIGN IT TO SEND A CLEAR MESSAGE: THE USE OF U.S. MILITARY AID TO ESCALATE THIS CONFLICT FURTHER IS UNACCEPTABLE__ The U.S. is sending an advanced anti-missile system, along with troops to operate it, to Israel to strengthen its air defenses after attacks by Iran on April 13 and October 1, according to the Pentagon. While the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system has been deployed in the region before, the addition of U.S. troops this time is significant given the rising tensions between Israel and Iran. However, deploying American troops without congressional approval sets a dangerous precedent. The American people deserve their elected representatives to weigh in on such a severe escalation. Since October 7, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has only intensified the violence, and our soldiers should not be sent into harm's way to support his increasingly aggressive actions. __IT'S TIME TO DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY AND ENSURE THAT ANY MILITARY INVOLVEMENT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE—NOT TO ENABLE ENDLESS CYCLES OF VIOLENCE ABROAD__ Share the petition now and stand with us in demanding that President Biden and Congress work to stop this war before it spirals further out of control. Let's prevent more loss of life and push for real, lasting peace in the region. In solidarity, Common Defense 251 West 30th New York, NY 10001 United States

DONATE Don't want to donate online? Mail us a check! Common Defense Action Fund | 251 W 30th St #317, New York, NY 10001 PAID FOR BY COMMON DEFENSE ACTION FUND

Nebraska Veterans Back Dan Osborn for Senate

 

Common Defense

#Navy #Nebraska #DefendingDemocracy

Dan Osborn, a Navy veteran and candidate for the U.S. Senate in Nebraska, is an Independent ready to take on corruption in both parties. Dan’s no career politician—he’s a mechanic and knows how to fix things. If you want to clean up Washington, he’s the one to send | #Navy #Nebraska #DefendingDemocracy

Stand Up Against Trump's Insult to Medal of Honor Recipients

 

We're outraged by Donald Trump's shameful remarks at his New Jersey golf club last night. During his deranged rant, Trump shockingly equated the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the Medal of Honor — our military's highest recognition for bravery, courage, and sacrifice. Even more disturbing, his description of Medal of Honor recipients was disgusting, and he claimed the Medal of Freedom was "much better" because, according to him, "everyone gets the Congressional Medal of Honor." His statement dismisses the profound sacrifices made by our brave service members, often at the cost of their lives or well-being. We need your voice. Let's make it clear that we will not stand by while our heroes are disrespected. —PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION DEMANDING AN APOLOGY FROM DONALD TRUMP— To compare an award given to a mega-donor to the Medal of Honor is a blatant insult to every soldier who has worn our nation's uniform. It diminishes the immense sacrifices made by those who have laid down their lives for our country. And to disrespect troops who were wounded in combat shows his disdain for service members. Trump's comments aren't just disrespectful—they reveal his unfitness to lead our nation and our military. This cannot go unanswered. That's why we're calling on all veterans, military families, and allies to demand that Trump issue a public apology and retract his statements. —CALL ON TRUMP TO PUBLICLY APOLOGIZE AND RETRACT HIS STATEMENT— Thank you for standing with us in defense of our veterans and the values they embody. In solidarity, Common Defense 251 West 30th New York, NY 10001 United States

DONATE Don't want to donate online? Mail us a check! Common Defense Action Fund | 251 W 30th St #317, New York, NY 10001 PAID FOR BY COMMON DEFENSE ACTION FUND

As Veterans, We Are Demanding A Ceasefire. Help Us Advocate For Peace

As Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu visited D.C. this week, our collective voices grew louder and more urgent: U.S. military veterans from Common Defense joined forces with Israeli veterans from Breaking the Silence to call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the occupation. This historic partnership underscores the pressing need for immediate action to end the ongoing crisis in Gaza, where countless lives are at stake. Your support will make a difference in advocating for a peaceful resolution in Gaza. By standing with us, you join a growing movement of veterans, military families, and civilians committed to ending this cycle of violence. __HELP US ENGAGE VETERANS AND SHOW OUR COMMUNITIES THAT A BETTER PATH IS POSSIBLE__ At a press event in Washington, D.C., veterans representing both organizations – united by their firsthand experiences as soldiers and a shared commitment to peace – demanded that President Biden and Congress take decisive steps towards a lasting ceasefire. We spent the week meeting with members of Congress to deliver our ceasefire petition and urge policy change on Israel-Palestine. This was only possible because of your voices and support these past few months. Breaking the Silence Leader Discusses Gaza Conflict. The crisis in Gaza is a humanitarian disaster. Gaza lies in ruins, and its people face unimaginable despair. This violence is not just a geopolitical issue — it is deeply rooted in systemic racism and the dehumanization of Palestinians. As Jose Vasquez, US Army Veteran and Executive Director of Common Defense, poignantly stated, "Nowhere is the evil of war more clear than in Gaza today. Since October 7, 2023, we have watched in horror as over 38,000 Palestinians, the vast majority of whom were civilians, have lost their lives." Nadav Weiman, incoming Executive Director of Breaking the Silence, shared, "We're the soldiers that stood at checkpoints, raided homes, arrested kids, destroyed Palestinian villages, and fought in Gaza. We know more than anyone else why we need to end the Israeli occupation for the sake of Israeli society and the Palestinian society as well." __SUPPORT OUR GRASSROOTS VETERAN-LED MOVEMENT__ Common Defense and Breaking the Silence at a press event in Washington, D.C. Together, we are making a powerful impact. Please stand with us as we fight for a future where peace and justice prevail over war and oppression. In solidarity, Common Defense 251 West 30th New York, NY 10001 United States

DONATE Don't want to donate online? Mail us a check! Common Defense Action Fund | 251 W 30th St #317, New York, NY 10001 PAID FOR BY COMMON DEFENSE ACTION FUND

Veterans Urge Elected Leaders & All Americans to Reject Political Violence. Join the Call to Action.

 

As Republicans gather in Milwaukee this week for their party's National Convention, we strongly condemn the recent attempted assassination of President Trump, and we mourn the innocent bystanders who were wounded and killed in Pennsylvania. As veterans, we serve so that all Americans are safe and feel safe from violence. No one should have to fear being shot while attending an event or anywhere else. There is no place for political violence in our country. When politicians push violent rhetoric, it makes us all unsafe. ADD YOUR NAME TO REJECT POLITICAL VIOLENCE What occurred is a grave assault on our democracy and is a direct result of years of violent rhetoric that too many elected leaders have condoned and inflamed. If our leaders do not rise to meet this moment by unequivocally denouncing this violence, de-escalating the rhetoric they use, and admonishing their supporters to do the same, it could instigate a dangerous spiral of increased political unrest and retaliatory violence.  Our veteran members understand all too well the consequences of such civic collapse. We have patrolled war-torn streets in Kosovo and Libya and stood guard over polling locations in Iraq and Afghanistan while insurgents targeted voters. It may seem hyperbolic to compare these warzones with America, but we have seen too much to be complacent. ADD YOUR NAME TO REJECT POLITICAL VIOLENCE That is why our coalition of veterans has worked so hard to promote a commitment to peaceful protest and an end to violent rhetoric by political leaders. Veterans for Responsible Leadership and Common Defense came together across partisan divides for such a time as this. United by our shared service and the urgency of the current moment. Our coalition formed earlier this year to ask Democrats, Republicans, and Independents for a simple pledge: honor the 2024 election results and unequivocally reject the use of violence as a political tool. Unfortunately, Republicans rejected that pledge earlier this summer.   We urge former President Trump to use this historic moment and his platform at the RNC to reconsider. He praised the Jan. 6th insurrectionists as "heroes" and warned of a "bloodbath" if he does not win. Since the shooting, President Biden and Speaker Johnson have issued clear and decisive statements against political violence. Former President Trump must join them in lowering the rhetorical temperature.  Moments like these test the strength of our democracy, which is held together by the rule of law, leadership, and accountability. We are compelled to act so our nation does not continue down this dark and violent path. We ask all Americans to join veterans in working to ensure a future of peace and stability for all. ADD YOUR NAME AS A CIVILIAN, VETERAN, MILITARY FAMILY MEMBER, OR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION: STAND AGAINST POLITICAL VIOLENCE AND RHETORIC In Solidarity, Common Defense Common Defense 251 West 30th New York, NY 10001 United States

DONATE Don't want to donate online? Mail us a check! Common Defense Action Fund | 251 W 30th St #317, New York, NY 10001 PAID FOR BY COMMON DEFENSE ACTION FUND