My daughter is not a loser

Two months ago, we learned that President Trump apparently ignored reports of Russian targeting of U.S. Marines in Afghanistan. That story appears to have been forgotten and given the daily outrageous conduct by this Administration, it is disturbing yet not surprising. Maybe it’s being investigated and we’ll get some answers in due time.

Yet, here we are again. I mentioned before that I have a daughter in the U.S. Marines and I would like to say more about that. She is a Second Lieutenant and in two weeks she will finish her training and begin her career as an officer in the service of her country.

This is all a new world for me since aside from grandfathers who served in World War II, I have no personal connection with the military. But, as any American, I was raised to respect and honor their service and sacrifice. Anybody who has studied history would have to appreciate this, from the American revolution to the Civil War to today.

I don’t personally know any other moms here who have children in the military now although I am certain I represent many who live in my district. Looking for information on her “graduation” I found the Facebook group for The Basic School (TBS). TBS is the level of training after Officer Candidate School. It’s great to see the pictures of the training and individual stories of those in training. However, every Sunday the site posts a picture and story of a Marine killed in action over the years. A reality check of what it means to be a Marine.

Are they “losers”, “suckers”? According to our President they are.

In politics, there is a lot of empty rhetoric, lots of talk and no action. “Support the troops” comes to mind. What does that even mean? Putting a flag sticker on your car? Making a Facebook post?

I’m a Democrat so I see that Republicans have appropriated the patriotic, pro-military position. Where are they now? Are they choosing to support the worst President we have ever had over our members of the Armed Forces? I, however, refuse to defer to them on who is more patriotic, or who supports the troops more. I’m going to say it: I support the troops and I am calling on all my colleagues and especially my Republican opponent, an Army veteran herself, to stand up to this horrible president and distance themselves from his abhorrent rhetoric.

My daughter is most definitely not a “sucker” or loser”. She is a classically trained harpist who graduated from the top program in the country. She trained and worked for three years in Philadelphia as a professional paramedic saving countless lives. She is an amazing sister to her six siblings and has proven to me she can do anything she sets her mind to. She has chosen to be an officer in the United State Marine Corps and I could not be prouder.

Kristine Howard is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 167th legislative district. She was first elected on Nov. 6, 2018.

Howard