USGLC

Whether they served four years or 40 years, most military members have had an up-close look at American foreign policy during their years of service, providing them with a unique perspective on America’s global engagement in action. This perspective is so critical to America’s global leadership that we highlighted it in the second session of USGLC’s Next Gen Global Leaders program, where military veterans in the class were able to share some of their invaluable stories and perspectives from their military service.

This Veterans Day, we salute all lawmakers who have served in our nation’s military and continue to serve as members of Congress. We’re also shining a spotlight on several incoming veteran-turned lawmakers and their foreign policy views.

Representing more than 30,000 Veterans for Smart Power across the country, nearly 50 top leaders of the USGLC’s growing veteran’s initiative came together on Capitol Hill earlier this month as part of an ongoing effort to elevate U.S. diplomatic and development programs alongside a strong defense. From Vietnam veterans to active guard and reserve members, this diverse group of men and women spent a day speaking with lawmakers and sharing personal stories of their time in uniform to highlight how our national security is strengthened by our civilian-led tools.

From pandemics to natural disasters to strained resources from a growing global population, there are a multitude of challenges for our nation that threaten global stability and go beyond the scope of a military solution.