Eleven years ago this August I was deployed in Iraq with the Lima Company combat unit, and recently, I reunited with my fellow Marines to commemorate the anniversary. Looking around, I was taken by how many of them are still serving -- in the military, as police offers, or helping others as doctors and lawyers. I shouldn't be surprised. Service to our country is an honor and one we carry for the rest of our lives.
I served alongside Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, Muslim Americans, and whites. But on the battlefield, that didn't matter. We weren't concerned about about our race or religion because we knew we were stronger together.
I never imagined we could have a presidential candidate who so blatantly insults our military, servicemen and veterans. But Donald Trump's transgressions are vast, and his relentless attempts to disparage a Gold Star family is one of the most disgraceful.
Trump thought Senator John McCain wasn't a war hero because he was captured. He also juxtaposed the experiences of Vietnam War veterans with his sex life. He claims to know more about ISIS than our generals, who he says have been "reduced to rubble." And he praises dictators and insults our allies.
So, in the four days we have left in this election--we must set down a marker for what's acceptable behavior, especially from our president, our next Commander-in-Chief.
There's only one candidate who will mark the service of our troops, respect our sacrifice when we come home, and honor the families of those who serve and those servicemen who have fallen. That's why I support Hillary Clinton.
Hillary fought for the post-9/11 GI Bill to make sure veterans could go to college and sat on the Committee on Armed Services during her time in the Senate. She helped extend health insurance to America's reservists to make sure anyone who volunteers to serve their country is taken care of. And she has plans to support our troops and our veterans as president.
Trump is too hateful and divisive to be our next president and Commander-in-Chief. Find your voting location here so you can join your family and friends and vote on Election Day (this Tuesday, November 8) in what will be the most important election of our generation.
Vote to honor the best friends of those who have served in the military. Vote so their sacrifice is not forgotten. Vote for the future of our country, because together we can and we will defeat Donald Trump. Vote for Hillary Clinton who will honor and serve the veterans.
Ruben Gallego is a member of Congress in Arizona's 7th District running for reelection.