📧 “military civil rights” to HillVets
Hey Justin,
There are a couple things happening that I wanted you and HillVets to have a heads up about. Two things at the federal level will be coming from Ron Wyden, the Senate Finance Committee Chair and senior Senator from Oregon. I also emailed you August 7th but heard no reply so I wasn't sure if it got through, that's why I'm CCing additional HillVets staff.
The first federal item will be a (second) Congressional Inquiry to the AG Garland and FBI Director Wray, asking why they are not enforcing hate crimes protections for military families.
The second federal item will be a bill to amend prior Civil Rights Actsto ensure soldiers, veterans, and their dependents, are no longer excluded from the rights they secure for all Americans.
Finally, Oregon is gearing up to be introducing a state-level Military Civil Rights Act to fulfill the Congressional Intent of the 2009 Soldiers Amendment, which I hope other states will enact as well.
I am writing to you in the hopes HillVets can help get these items across the finish line. With civil rights left unenforced, this issue impacts the readiness of the Total Force and leaves military families vulnerable to bias, harassment, and discrimination. I know we were trained to "shut up and drive on," but I trust you have our battle buddies' best interests at heart. I look forward to hearing how y'all can help.
@ 1138 from Justin Brown
Thanks Logan,
I hope you are doing well. Glad to hear that you are getting some movement on some of these issues.
When we started HillVets we very intentionally decided to not weigh in on any issues other than trying to get more vets involved in the space to make a difference. So in that capacity, unlike VFW, Legion, etc. we don't weigh in on any issues.
If you have some ideas in mind, Danielle [Forand, CCed] and I could possibly help in our personal capacity if there is something specific that we could help with.
Also, there is nothing stopping you from also sharing the issue and asking the HillVets community (Slack) to chip in and help out; I would just recommend that the ask be specific (IE asking any HillVets Congressional staff if they can support x,y,z, or if they are interested in learning more, etc.
