Today is Armed Forces Day, an occasion to express gratitude and respect for those men and women making the sacrifice to serve our country in uniform. This year, I can think of no better way to honor their commitment to duty than to give those reentering civilian life a shot at gainful employment.
Few people truly understand how hard it is to transition out of the military. In uniform, your mission is clear. Your role is defined. You live with structure, purpose, and a sense of belonging. But when service ends, the system that trained you offers little preparation for what comes next.
Sadly, this transition is often treated like a final administrative task rather than the critical life shift it truly is. You get a checklist, a few briefings, and a polite nod toward civilian life. But those things do not prepare you for the deeper shift — how to rebuild your purpose, your identity, and your worth in a world that operates differently.
When the structure and rhythm of military life disappear, veterans are suddenly confronted with a vacuum. The transition programs that are supposed to help prove unproductive because they are still led by people who don’t understand what it takes to succeed after service.
Our servicemen and women get stuck with outdated processes that are heavy on structure and light on relevance, leaving them unprepared for today’s fast-moving economy. If we continue with this approach,  we will keep losing people after the fight is over.
And it isn’t just veterans who are suffering. The economy is feeling the strain as well.
Industries from tech to logistics to healthcare are scrambling to find people who can build teams, make decisions, and lead under pressure. They spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to find qualified candidates, only to be disappointed because they don’t have the grit and follow-through to overcome the challenges faced by today’s organizations.
Hiring managers complain that new workers are entitled, lazy, and don’t take initiative. They say they’re tired of seeing the same resumes and hiring employees who don’t move the needle. But they overlook the group that can address these problems and more: veterans.
Veterans have developed leadership skills, adaptability, and mission-driven focus through years of training and real-world experience. Simply by enlisting, they demonstrated that they are willing to work for something bigger than themselves and make the sacrifices necessary to achieve it.
I have seen how the military trains men and women to lead, build teams, persevere, and thrive under pressure — traits companies claim to need. Yet too often, there is a disconnect. Too often, veterans are overlooked because they do not have the “experience” or necessary qualifications.
These things are undoubtedly important, but should not be the only consideration. When they are, two catastrophic things happen: companies miss out on thousands of uniquely qualified candidates, and veterans are left to suffer.
What could be a wonderful partnership becomes another statistic of veteran unemployment and corporate leadership struggles.
It&#8217;s not that veterans are not capable or that companies don&#8217;t care. The system was simply not built to align the two sides properly.
But that just isn’t good enough for our economy — or our veterans.
We need a new way forward, one that recognizes the immense, ever-changing challenges today’s organizations face while simultaneously valuing the skills veterans have developed through their service — even if they don’t show up on the job experience section in a resume.
It’s time for companies to consider veterans&#8217; unique skills and experiences. They might be exactly what the economy needs because, right now, America isn’t short on workers — it’s short on leaders.
Translating that experience into civilian terms is not simple. But it is possible.
For me, education was part of that process. I chose to study at Pepperdine University, where I was challenged to think differently, expand my leadership skills beyond the military, and see the civilian world not as foreign ground but as a new mission to master.
These years reminded me that growth does not stop when the uniform comes off. It simply changes form, morphing into another kind of challenge. And it&#8217;s one I believe veterans are perfectly suited to meet.
The solution, however,  isn’t more hiring initiatives, which soon become quotas and occasions for empty virtue signaling. Instead, we need deliberate pathways that match veterans’ capabilities and values with organizations willing to put leadership potential to work.
It is not about charity. It’s about putting proven leadership where it belongs — in the fight, making an impact. This can and does lead to real careers, authentic leadership, and incredible results.
If you are serious about building a team that can survive and thrive in the real world, stop overlooking veterans. We don&#8217;t need favors. We need opportunities. And the world needs what we have to offer. So this Armed Forces Day, America’s companies can show their gratitude by trusting those who have already proven they can lead.
Kenny Spratt is the founder and CEO of TalentBase, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business specializing in connecting highly-skilled veterans to meaningful career opportunities across the private sector.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

Army’s New Pre-Basic Training Prep Course Helps Potential Soldiers Qualify For Enlistment

American Companies Should Stop Overlooking Veterans

Department of Veterans Affairs

Employers

U.S. Army

Veterans

After Los Angeles Lakers star Lebron James — who has a long-standing history of flopping on the floor to draw unwarranted fouls from the opposition — flopped one time too many in Wednesday’s playoff game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as a Minnesota combat veteran and former state representative who had both of his legs blown off in Iraq offered a deathless response on X.
“I had less of a reaction when my legs were blown off,” John Kriesel, who now serves as director of veteran services for Anoka County, reacted. Kriesel was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medal after serving in Iraq; in 2006, he was injured by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that blew up. He is also the author of the autobiography Still Standing.
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I had less of a reaction when my legs were blown off. <a href="https://t.co/2gWk1EtRzH">https://t.co/2gWk1EtRzH</a>
— John Kriesel (@johnkriesel) <a href="https://twitter.com/johnkriesel/status/1917976625112584332?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Timberwolves won the game 103-96, eliminating the Lakers from the playoffs.
There were multiple hilarious responses to Kriesel’s post, including:
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A player for the Dallas Stars hockey team died on the bench (flatlined for 2 minutes), was resuscitated in the hallway, and asked to go back into the game.<a href="https://t.co/XfSdKgHlo3">https://t.co/XfSdKgHlo3</a>
— Slim Tidings (@drfeedbacker) <a href="https://twitter.com/drfeedbacker/status/1918096265818083701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Falls can be deadly for elderly men like LeBron. He could break a hip, be hospitalized and contract staphylococcal infection.
— Greg Brown (@the_Greglodon) <a href="https://twitter.com/the_Greglodon/status/1918109860270653733?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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He is a DIVA &#8211;his name should never be in the same sentence as MJ, Bird or Barkley &#8211;seriously <a href="https://t.co/xBKPVbkSEo">pic.twitter.com/xBKPVbkSEo</a>
— AJH (@UnamedLocation) <a href="https://twitter.com/UnamedLocation/status/1918082924622082507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
“Poor LeBron, all 6’9, 250 pounds of him, ran into Minnesota’s Donte Divincenzo, 6’4, 203 pounds, during Wednesday’s Lakers playoff exit and…couldn’t get up.&#8221;
&#8220;Divincenzo, 47 pounds lighter, had no such problem,” Outkick <a href="https://www.outkick.com/sports/lebron-james-has-hall-fame-worthy-flop-sad-lakers-playoff-exit">mocked</a>. “LeBron was on the ground for more than 20 seconds. Men have been hit by prime Mike Tyson and stayed on the canvas for less time than LeBron sprawled himself out on the hardwood.”
Earlier in the series, James got caught after a flop, taking a surreptitious look, apparently to see if the refs had called a foul.
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LeBron think he slick 🤣 
(h/t bonbaguy23/TT) <a href="https://t.co/10OAMCcEJS">pic.twitter.com/10OAMCcEJS</a>
— Overtime (@overtime) <a href="https://twitter.com/overtime/status/1915127592258310587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2025</a></blockquote>
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“James was hit in the face by Timberwolves forward Julius Randle, 30, in the fourth quarter of Game 2 in Los Angeles&#8217; first-round playoff series, and stayed on the floor for several minutes as referees discussed the call,” People Magazine <a href="https://people.com/lebron-james-caught-flopping-fans-think-lakers-playoff-win-11721511">reported</a>.
In a loss to the Boston Celtics during the regular season, James flopped again. Sports Illustrated wrote that he “may have added a lamentable lowlight to his highlight reel with a brutal flop late in the game.”
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Don’t ever compare this man to Jordan again <a href="https://t.co/Il9ccLztkt">pic.twitter.com/Il9ccLztkt</a>
— Samantha (@SN1onX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SN1onX/status/1898585868106870808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
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There have even been videos featuring James’ legendary flopping habits:
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Lebron FLOPS from Level 1 to 100" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N7cZn9bgATE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@instabucketz/video/7337784992405277994" data-video-id="7337784992405277994" data-embed-from="oembed" style="max-width:605px; min-width:325px;">
<section> <a target="_blank" title="@instabucketz" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@instabucketz?refer=embed">@instabucketz</a> 
1 minute of LeBron James flopping 😂 Le🩴 <a title="instabucketz" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/instabucketz?refer=embed">#instabucketz</a> <a title="basketball" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/basketball?refer=embed">#basketball</a> <a title="basketball" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/basketball?refer=embed">#basketball</a> 
 <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - Instabucketz" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7337785051411647274?refer=embed">♬ original sound &#8211; Instabucketz</a> </section>
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Minnesota Timberwolves v Los Angeles Lakers – Game Five

LeBron Flops One Time Too Many, Provoking Deathless Response From Iraq Combat Vet

Celebrities

Iraq

LeBron James

Los Angeles Lakers

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Actor Gary Sinise says that his new veteran-focused film, “Brothers After War,” was made in part to forge a connection between the military and &#8220;the average American.&#8221;
Sinise is an executive producer on the project, teaming up with filmmaker and director Jake Rademacher.
A <a href="https://brothersafterwar.com/">synopsis</a> of the film says: “Jake Rademacher reconnects with his brothers and elite Soldiers and Marines he embedded with during the Iraq War. Intercutting footage past and present, he leads us on an insightful, humorous, and moving journey as we watch warfighters explore loss, meaning, and hope on their path from warfighter to veteran.”
<iframe loading="lazy" title="&quot;Brothers After War&quot; Trailer" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zdNwYJ4S6Ag?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Rademacher and Sinise sat down with <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/podcasts/morning-wire">Morning Wire</a> for an interview about the film, which will be released in full on Saturday.
The director said one of his goals was to present the service members as &#8220;three-dimensional&#8221; characters with both flaws and virtues. &#8220;Oftentimes when you see documentaries, people cherrypick sad stories. They&#8217;re not really in the community, somebody&#8217;s kind of doing their drive by film about it,&#8221; Rademacher said.
&#8220;I&#8217;ve got to actually spend a day with these people,&#8221; he continued. &#8220;I&#8217;ve got to embed in their life. Now I embedded with them in the foxholes&#8230; I got to jump out of an airplane with them or go scuba diving, or get weapons training, which I did all of that.&#8221;
 The filmmaker said he wanted to show that the subjects of the documentary are &#8220;highly functioning people&#8221; who are &#8220;still carrying some of the invisible wounds of war.&#8221; 
&#8220;They still have some work to do. And, and I&#8217;ll show their vulnerability, but I also want to show their strength,&#8221; he said. &#8220;That&#8217;s the power of the movie. It makes tough subjects easier to talk about.&#8221;
Sinise referenced his iconic role playing Lieutenant Dan in the classic &#8220;Forrest Gump.&#8221;
He said the &#8220;good thing&#8221; about that fictional story is that it can represent healing, which is possible for veterans going through a tough time. 
&#8220;The good thing about [Lieutenant Dan&#8217;s] story is that it&#8217;s a happy ending at the end, right? You&#8217;ve got a guy who goes off to war. He&#8217;s serving during a time of conflict in our own country about whether he should have even been in the war or not. He has to isolate,&#8221; Sinise said. 
&#8220;He drowns himself in alcohol and disappears, but then, thankfully, at the end of that story, he&#8217;s standing up again. He&#8217;s making peace and he&#8217;s moving on. &#8230;That&#8217;s the story that we want for every single person who goes and serves in the military and comes home from war and defends our country. We want them to be okay. We want them to move on.&#8221;
“We want [veterans] to know that there’s a way to share their stories,” Sinise said of the documentary project during an <a href="https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/sinise-veterans-brothers/2025/02/22/id/1200100/">interview</a> with Newsmax. “Their stories are important. And I think by seeing this film and seeing the veterans in this film sharing their stories on camera for the world to see, it’s going to be very, very encouraging for somebody who may just need to talk about something but hasn’t been able to do it.”
“There’s a big disconnect between the average American who doesn’t have a relationship to anybody in the military and our military, the people that actually serve our country,” the actor said. “So maybe &#8216;Brothers After War&#8217; can help bridge that disconnect. That’s what we hope.”
The 69-year-old star founded the Gary Sinise Foundation in 2011 and has been advocating for veterans ever since through outreach, visiting service members and veterans around the world, and calling attention to issues that matter to them.
He also helped fund this new documentary and <a href="https://www.military.com/off-duty/movies/2025/02/26/why-gary-sinise-wants-every-us-service-member-and-veteran-see-brothers-after-war.html">partnered with</a> Regal Cinema to make a record donation ($150,000) to entertainment nonprofit Vet Tix so free tickets to the film are available. 
“Brothers After War” hits theaters on Friday, February 28. Participating theaters can be found on the film&#8217;s official <a href="https://tickets.brothersafterwar.com/">website</a>.

Gary Sinise

Gary Sinise Wants His New Movie ‘Brothers After War’ To Connect ‘Average American’ And Military

Gary Sinise Hopes His New Veteran-Focused Movie Will Connect Civilians And Military

Entertainment

Movies

Hollywood star Rob Lowe celebrated all that veterans and first responders have done in a Super Bowl LIX ad that most people probably didn’t see even though it aired during the Philadelphia Eagles 40-22 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
In the 30 second ad — which only aired in local markets in Colorado and Wyoming — Lowe provides a voice over for an ad for the White Heart Foundation, a charity that focuses on providing mental health support for veterans and first responders &#8230; according to its <a href="https://www.whiteheart.org/history">website</a>.
“They’ve had our backs — now let’s have theirs,” Lowe captioned his post. “Veterans and first responders face unique mental health challenges, but they don’t have to face them alone.”
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<a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DF3iBypSqIR/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by White Heart Foundation (@whiteheart)</a>
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“Our program provides the support, resources, and community they deserve,” he added. “Join us in making a difference and give hope today. Visit Whiteheart.org.”
The ad opens with the message, “It’s a thankless job, you exist to provide hope, but the trauma you face doesn’t just stay on the job,” Lowe said. “It follows you home. This is the sacrifice you make so that others can have hope.”
“But everyone deserves hope. Even heroes,” it added. “Join us as we provide hope for America’s heroes. The White Heart Foundation.”
Throughout the ad, there are numerous images of military honors and medals, juxtaposed with images of fires and accidents. 
It was just one of several patriotic commercials that aired during the big game on Sunday, including a Jeep ad featuring actor Harrison Ford that also got a lot of attention.
“Freedom is for everybody. But it isn’t free. It’s earned,” Ford said in the <a href="https://x.com/MAC_Arms/status/1888947531083567317">ad</a> which aLeo featured images of the American flag. 
“There are real heroes in the world, but not the ones in the movies,” he added. “Real heroes are humble, and they’re not driven by pride … The most sacred thing in life isn’t the path. It’s the freedom to choose it.”
Another <a href="https://x.com/TheCalvinCooli1/status/1888729012358234224">ad</a> features actor Brad Pitt and celebrates America’s history, showcasing an image of the Founding Fathers signing the Declaration of Independence and talking about celebrating the glory of the game not as individuals but as one. 
“We, the people. Today we come together, not just these players and coaches or these teams and sides. We, all of us, the dreamers, the warriors, the builders and believers,” Pitt said. 
“Brought together to celebrate our greatest game, the game that teaches us what we can achieve when we gather together in a that most American of formations, the one most fundamental to every play call in every game, the huddle,” he added. “Think about it. When we are bound by a common goal, we have reached heights, authored achievements, pushed progress, not alone but together, in ways that have lifted the world and one another.”

Family waving American flags

Rob Lowe Celebrates Veterans And First Responders In Patriotic Super Bowl Ad You Might’ve Missed

Rob Lowe Celebrates Veterans And First Responders In Patriotic Super Bowl Ad You Might've Missed

Brad Pitt

First Responders

Harrison Ford

Patriotic

Rob Lowe

Super Bowl

Cabinet 4

Trump Confirmation Hearings Begin With Pete Hegseth: Live Updates

Donald Trump

Pentagon

Pete Hegseth

NFL analyst and “Good Morning America” host <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/michael-strahan-breaks-silence-after-hes-accused-of-being-disrespectful-during-national-anthem">Michael Strahan</a> apologized and talked about how much he loves the military after he was accused of being “disrespectful” during the playing of the national anthem at a pre-Veteran’s Day broadcast celebration.
In a video he posted on his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCS74WZxOr2/">Instagram</a>, Strahan said he wanted to address the backlash, saying that not placing his hand over his chest while the anthem played was in no way “protesting” or making some kind of statement.
“The only statement that should be made and that I wanna make is that I love the military,” Strahan said. “I’ve always loved the military, and I will always love the military. I do so many programs to help veterans and soldiers. I grew up on a military base with a father who was a major in the Army.”
“My brother, my sister, my cousins, they all served in the military — I’m a military brat,” he added. “And so the fact of somebody saying that, you know, I’m unpatriotic, couldn’t be any further from the truth. And if you want the truth, I’ll tell you: The truth is that I was caught up in the moment.”
“I’m looking at all these young sailors standing there at attention before the national anthem played, and I’m thinking to myself, ‘How incredible. How incredible to be that young and to know that you wanna do this.’ Strahan continued. “Like, it’s such a commitment, but you’re willing to commit to something that you know gives us our freedoms, plain and simple. I’m just sitting there in amazement.”
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<a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCS74WZxOr2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by michaelstrahan (@michaelstrahan)</a>
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Strahan said by the time he looked back at his cohosts and saw them with their hand over their heart, he had a moment of “somewhat panic.”
“I’m like, ‘Do I be the fool that puts his hand over his heart after or do I just stand here with my hand in front of me respectfully?’ Which, that’s what I did, that’s what happened,” he added.
<a href="https://www.amiracist.com/?_gl=1*jtghwp*_gcl_au*ODQ1NjYzNTg2LjE3Mjg5MDk3OTE.*_ga*MTc2NzM0NDQ2NS4xNzI4OTA5Nzkx*_ga_CZKR9ZYKJP*MTczMDEyMDgwOS40OS4xLjE3MzAxMjA4MzkuMzAuMC4w" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ NOW STREAMING ON DAILYWIRE+</a>
“If that offended any of our military and veterans, I apologize to you because that was never my intent,” Strahan said, as he closed out his video noting again how much love he has for those who serve.
On Sunday, the “Fox NFL Sunday” show was broadcast from the Naval Base in San Diego, and Strahan’s cohosts stood and put their right hands over their hearts while the anthem played. However, viewers noticed that Strahan instead folded his hands in front of him, and that upset many watching, who accused him of being “disrespectful,” the <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/11/11/sports/michael-strahan-facing-fierce-backlash-for-how-he-stood-during-national-anthem/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=nypost">New York Post</a> noted.
On Monday, the former NFL player did not exactly address the backlash and instead posted a message and pictures on his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCOqk6VR0k7/?img_index=2">Instagram</a> honoring his father Maj. Gene W. Strahan, Sr. — and all those who serve — on Veteran’s Day amid the criticism.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/michael-strahan-breaks-silence-after-hes-accused-of-being-disrespectful-during-national-anthem" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Strahan Breaks Silence After He’s Accused of Being ‘Disrespectful’ During National Anthem</a>

Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports 2019 – Red Carpet

‘I Love The Military’: Michael Strahan Apologizes For National Anthem Moment

'I Love The Military’: Michael Strahan Apologizes For National Anthem Moment

Good Morning America

Veterans Day

I’m proud to have served my country, and I know firsthand the sacrifices that come with wearing the uniform. Our veterans deserve the best, and under President Trump’s leadership, we made historic strides to ensure our heroes receive the care they earned. But under Biden and Harris, we’ve seen our veterans once again pushed aside for the sake of political agendas. The current state of the Department of Veteran Affairs is unacceptable, and it’s time to fix this once and for all. Together with President Trump, we’ll restore the honor and support our veterans deserve.
Under President Trump’s first term, we achieved monumental progress for our nation’s veterans. For instance, he signed the VA Choice and VA MISSION Acts, granting our heroes the permanent option to see their own doctors and access care at non-VA facilities. These reforms made a real impact: 3 in 4 veterans reported improvements at their local VA, with shorter wait times and expanded community care options.
But now, the Biden-Harris administration has allowed our VA system to crumble under the weight of mismanagement, waste, fraud, and leftist initiatives that prioritize bureaucrats over veterans. This has resulted in tragic setbacks for those who have given everything for this country.
The good news? We have a golden opportunity to fix the VA once and for all — and we will. Here’s how:
<h3>Just Say No To DEI</h3>
In a second Trump administration, merit-based hiring and evaluation must be a top priority.
Let’s ensure that the VA hires and promotes employees based on skills, performance, and dedication to veterans. This approach will strengthen the workforce and ensure veterans are served by the most qualified individuals.
DEI mandates are having destructive and measurable impacts on the VA system. For example, the group Do No Harm recently uncovered that the Biden-Harris administration focused on “diversity” programs even as veterans faced a massive claims backlog.
On day one, President Trump can sign an executive order directing each department head to eliminate required employee trainings that surround, involve, relate, or have any nexus to: &#8220;gender identity,&#8221; &#8220;Critical Race Theory,&#8221; &#8220;implicit bias,&#8221; &#8220;diversity, equity, and inclusion,&#8221; or in any way scapegoats and entire group of people for the outcomes of any other group.
And in Congress, we can pass new legislation codifying that order and ensuring that our federal government is making hiring decisions based on merit and job performance.
<h3>Restore Accountability</h3>
In their final days in office, the Biden administration recently reinstated thousands of VA employees terminated under President Trump’s first administration.
This included employees engaging in conduct such as sleeping on the job and employees who gained unauthorized access to patient medical records.
Not only were they reinstated but these employees cumulatively received over $134 million in back pay.
Under President Trump, we must again terminate these employees.
Because President Trump will not surrender to Democrat-aligned government unions. And for us in Congress, let’s use this opportunity to build on the 2017 Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act to ensure that employees who fail our veterans will pay the price.
<h3>Increasing Choice, Quality Of Care, And Contract Competency</h3>
It’s long past due to enhance the VA&#8217;s ability to develop and manage contracts that focus on real service outcomes, prioritizing contracts with vendors who demonstrate proven capabilities to meet veterans&#8217; needs effectively and efficiently.
Under President Trump&#8217;s leadership, Congress in 2018 passed the VA MISSION ACT to create a VA community care network, allowing veterans to receive timely and quality care from both VA and non-VA providers.
This program is vital for veterans to have the flexibility and choice they need to get the best care possible. But in their final days in office, Biden bureaucrats are quietly aiming to overhaul the entire CCN structure by reducing the number of geographic regions in the entire country from 5 to just 2.
This is good for the swamp, but it’s terrible for veterans. Such an extreme decision would only reduce choice and decrease quality of care.
The good news is, President Trump and the incoming Veterans Health Administration leadership can end this scheme on day one.
And in Congress, we can pass legislation to protect veterans’ healthcare and ensure that decisions on who provides and administers that care is based on merit, capability and performance.
<h3>Benefits Delayed Are Benefits Denied</h3>
We must ensure that veterans receive the benefits they have earned through their service. The responsibility should be on the VA, not the veteran, to get benefits decisions correct, and VA officials should be held accountable for delays and failures.
<h3>Coordinate With DOD On Medical Documentation</h3>
It’s time to streamline the VA claims process for transitioning service members, reducing backlogs, and improving access to care. This can be done through increased coordination with Department of Defense (DoD) hospitals to document service-related injuries and conditions as they happen. Our veterans can’t afford delays.
Our veterans didn’t back down when duty called, and now it’s our turn to serve them. Under the leadership of President Trump, we will make the VA a place where our heroes receive the respect, care, and resources they rightfully deserve.
The Biden administration’s incompetence has cost veterans precious time and benefits. But with Trump back in the White House, and fighters like me in Congress, we will restore the VA to its former greatness. We will make sure no veteran is left behind — no more red tape, no more delays, just action and results.
This Veterans Day, let’s not just thank those who served; let’s commit to fighting for them as hard as they fought for us. Together, we’ll honor their sacrifice, fix the VA, and build an America worthy of the brave men and women who defended it.
Because when it comes to our veterans, failure is not an option. Let’s get to work!
* * *
<a href="https://twitter.com/AbrahamHamadeh?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Abe Hamadeh</a> is a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer and proud to now represent Arizona’s 8th Congressional District. Endorsed by President Donald Trump, Abe is on a mission to secure our border, protect our rights, and defend America’s greatness for future generations.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

Veteran American Flag, Military Uniform, Freedom Concept: Fourth of July or Veteran’s Day

How I Will Work With President Trump To Fix The VA 

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“Good Morning America” and Fox NFL host Michael Strahan broke his silence after he was accused of being “disrespectful” during the playing of the national anthem at a pre-Veteran’s Day broadcast celebration.
On Monday, the former NFL player posted a message and pictures on his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCOqk6VR0k7/?img_index=2">Instagram</a> honoring his father Maj. Gene W. Strahan, Sr. — and all those who serve — on Veteran’s Day amid the criticism.
“Thank you to all veterans and active service members who courageously risk their lives to protect us every day,” Strahan wrote. “Your selfless service is beyond measure. This is my hero, it is also my father, Maj. Gene W. Strahan, Sr.”
“He served for 23 years in the army and was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division,” he added. “Just as I honor my father, I keep all of you in my thoughts each and every day as we would not have the safety and freedoms we cherish without you. Thank You.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Michael Strahan facing fierce backlash for how he stood during national anthem <a href="https://t.co/VXVS3IbMLz">https://t.co/VXVS3IbMLz</a> <a href="https://t.co/vLmQ1OTkR6">pic.twitter.com/vLmQ1OTkR6</a>
— New York Post (@nypost) <a href="https://twitter.com/nypost/status/1855839949385281931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
On Sunday, the “Fox NFL Sunday” show was broadcast from the Naval Base in San Diego, and  Strahan’s co-hosts stood and put their right hands over their hearts while the anthem played. However, viewers noticed that Strahan instead folded his hands in front of him, and that upset many watching, the <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/11/11/sports/michael-strahan-facing-fierce-backlash-for-how-he-stood-during-national-anthem/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=nypost">New York Post</a> reported.
“I couldn’t believe what I saw as you stood there with your hands clasped in front of you,” one social media user wrote in the comments. “How disrespectful to all of those men and women who were there and looking at you.”
Another person on X wrote, “What’s wrong with Strahan? @NFLonFOX? Blatant disrespect for the men and women he is surrounded by protecting his rights and freedoms.”
While a third <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/nfl/article-14066595/Fans-demand-Fox-Sports-fire-Michael-Strahan-nfl.html?ns_mchannel=rss&amp;ns_campaign=1490&amp;ito=social-twitter_mailonline">wrote</a>, “&#8217;Why does Michael Strahan not put his hand over his heart during the playing of our National Anthem?”
However, “Fox NFL Sunday” cohost Jay Glazer defended Strahan and <a href="https://x.com/JayGlazer/status/1856049265346584668">wrote</a> that the reaction was not warranted and explained why.
“I’ve just seen the criticism of<a href="https://x.com/michaelstrahan"> @michaelstrahan</a>. Let me tell you this, I don’t know if I have a friend who is more proud of his military roots than Michael, growing up on an army base constantly talking about what he learned from his dad Major Gene Strahan and how his time there shaped him,” Glazer wrote. “I heard it CONSTANTLY, still do!”
“But also, with no fanfare I personally saw him donate thousands of dollars of clothes to veterans, including many homeless veterans as well clothes for veterans to go on job interviews,” he added.
“I know these days people want to be angry fast but maybe first, how is THIS for a novel idea. ASK him if he’s protesting something. When you protest you want people to know, don’t ya? He was NOT, just got caught up in how beautiful the whole moment was during the anthem and didn’t think about it,” the cohost continued. “Ask the dude before forming an angry mob, but also maybe find out all  he’s done for our veterans over the years.”

Michael Strahan Breaks Silence After He’s Accused of Being ‘Disrespectful’ During National Anthem

Michael Strahan Breaks Silence After He's Accused of Being ‘Disrespectful’ During National Anthem

Michael Strahan

US-REPUBLICAN-CONVENTION-PARTIES-ELECTION-POLITICS-VOTE

Gold Star Families Reflect On Veterans Day With Stories Of Service And Sacrifice

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On Wednesday, Congressman Brian Mast (R-FL), who lost both legs when he served in Afghanistan as a U.S. Army explosive ordnance disposal technician in 2010, led a group of 50 Republican veterans in Congress to <a href="https://x.com/BrianMastFL/status/1826248921427189951">endorse a letter</a> condemning Minnesota Democratic Governor Tim Walz’s lies about his military service.
“The Office of the Vice President is a position that requires the trust of the American people and a solemn commitment to duty on behalf of the United States of America,” the letter began. “As veterans who have served our nation, we feel compelled to address your egregious misrepresentations and urge you to come clean to the American people.”
“You have stated that you are ‘damn proud’ of your service, and like any American veteran, you should be,” they stated. “But there is no honor in lying about the nature of your service. Repeatedly claiming to be a ‘Retired Command Sergeant Major’ when you did not complete the requirements was not honorable. Nor was it honorable to claim to carry weapons ‘in war’ when you had not served in war, and abandoning the men and women under your leadership just as they were getting ready to deploy was certainly not honorable either.”
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“To be blunt, when you falsely claim military service that did not happen and abandon your post, you diminish the real sacrifices made by veterans who did serve in combat,” they charged. “Military service is not merely a job or a uniform. Those who serve in the Armed Forces endure rigorous training, face perilous situations, and make sacrifices that most civilians can’t comprehend. The honor of wearing the uniform is earned through dedication, bravery, and an unwavering sense of duty. You have displayed none of these characteristics as you have lied your way through a political career launched on the foundation of a title you did not earn and combat deployments you did not take part in.”
“In short, our grave concern stems from the fact that the office of the Vice President is one heartbeat away from becoming the Commander-In-Chief. You’ve already demonstrated your unwillingness to lead in time of war and a lack of honor through your blatant misrepresentations exploiting and co-opting the experiences of America’s combat veterans for personal gain,” they declared.
“As a result, America’s veterans and servicemembers are rightfully concerned about what would happen to them should you ascend to the Presidency. When America asked you to lead your troops into War, you turned your back on your troops. You have violated the trust of our brothers and sisters in arms. Their blood, sweat, and sacrifice are the only reason our nation is able to exist. Until you admit you lied to them, there is no way you can be trusted to serve as Vice President.” they concluded.
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Other signatories included:
Joni Ernst, U.S. Senator (IA); Lieutenant Colonel &#8211; Army National Guard (Ret.)
Roger Marshall, U.S. Senator (KS); Captain &#8211; U.S. Army Reserve (Ret.)
Rick Scott, U.S. Senator (FL); Petty Officer Third Class &#8211; U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Roger Wicker, U.S. Senator (MS); Lieutenant Colonel &#8211; U.S. Air Force Reserve (Ret.)
Brian Babin, U.S. Representative (TX-36); Captain &#8211; U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
Don Bacon, U.S. Representative (NE-02); Brigadier General &#8211; U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
Jim Baird, U.S. Representative (IN-04); First Lieutenant &#8211; U.S. Army (Ret.)
Jim Banks, U.S. Representative (IN-03); Lieutenant &#8211; U.S. Navy Reserve (Ret.)
Jack Bergman, U.S. Representative (MI-01); Lieutenant General &#8211; U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (Ret.)
Mike Bost, U.S. Representative (IL-12); Corporal &#8211; U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)
Mike Carey, U.S. Representative (OH-15); U.S. Army Reserve (Ret.)
Eli Crane, U.S. Representative (AZ-02); Petty Officer First Class &#8211; U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Warren Davidson, U.S. Representative (OH-08); Captain &#8211; U.S. Army (Ret.)
Neal Dunn, U.S. Representative (FL-02); Major &#8211; U.S. Army (Ret.)
Jake Ellzey, U.S. Representative (TX-06); Commander &#8211; U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Pat Fallon, U.S. Representative (TX-04); Captain &#8211; U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
Scott Fitzgerald, U.S. Representative (WI-05); Lieutenant Colonel &#8211; U.S. Army Reserve (Ret.)
Scott Franklin, U.S. Representative (FL-18); Commander &#8211; U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Tony Gonzales, U.S. Representative (TX-23), Master Chief Petty Officer &#8211; U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Mark Green, U.S. Representative (TN-07); Major &#8211; U.S. Army (Ret.)
Brett Guthrie, U.S. Representative (KY-02); First Lieutenant &#8211; U.S. Army (Ret.)
Clay Higgins, U.S. Representative (LA-03); Staff Sergeant &#8211; Army National Guard (Ret.)
Wesley Hunt, U.S. Representative (TX-38); Captain &#8211; U.S. Army (Ret.)
Darrell Issa, U.S. Representative (CA-48); Captain &#8211; U.S. Army (Ret.)
Ronny Jackson, U.S. Representative (TX-13); Rear Admiral &#8211; U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Jen Kiggans, U.S. Representative (VA-02); U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Nick LaLota, U.S. Representative (NY-01); Lieutenant &#8211; U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Greg Lopez, U.S. Representative (CO-04); U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
Barry Loudermilk, U.S. Representative (GA-11); Staff Sergeant &#8211; U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
Anna Paulina Luna, U.S. Representative (FL-13); Senior Airman &#8211; U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
Rich McCormick, U.S. Representative (GA-06); Commander &#8211; U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Max Miller, U.S. Representative (OH-07); Corporal &#8211; U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (Ret.)
Mariannette Miller-Meeks, U.S. Representative (IA-01); Lieutenant Colonel &#8211; U.S. Army (Ret.)
Cory Mills, U.S. Representative (FL-07); Sergeant &#8211; U.S. Army (Ret.)
Barry Moore, U.S. Representative (AL-02); Staff Sergeant &#8211; Army National Guard (Ret.)
Troy Nehls, U.S. Representative (TX-22); Major &#8211; U.S. Army Reserve (Ret.)
Zach Nunn, U.S. Representative (IA-03); Colonel &#8211; U.S. Air Force Reserve
Scott Perry, U.S. Representative (PA-10); Brigadier General &#8211; Army National Guard (Ret.)
August Pfluger, U.S. Representative (TX-11); Colonel &#8211; U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
Guy Reschenthaler, U.S. Representative (PA-14); Lieutenant &#8211; U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Hal Rogers, U.S. Representative (KY-05); Staff Sergeant &#8211; Army National Guard (Ret.)
Keith Self, U.S. Representative (TX-03); Lieutenant Colonel &#8211; U.S. Army (Ret.)
Gregory Steube, U.S. Representative (FL-17); Captain &#8211; U.S. Army (Ret.)
William Timmons, U.S. Representative (SC-04); Captain &#8211; Air National Guard
Derrick Van Orden, U.S. Representative (WI-03); Senior Chief Petty Officer &#8211; U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Michael Waltz, U.S. Representative (FL-06); Colonel &#8211; Army National Guard (Ret.)
Brandon Williams, U.S. Representative (NY-22); Lieutenant &#8211; U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Joe Wilson, U.S. Representative (SC-02); Colonel &#8211; Army National Guard (Ret.)
Ryan Zinke, U.S. Representative (MT-01); Commander &#8211; U.S. Navy (Ret.)

The 2024 Republican National Convention

50 Republican Vets In Congress Sign Letter Condemning Walz For ‘Lying’ About His Military Service

Brian Mast

Politics

Republicans

Tim Walz

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris defended her running mate Tim Walz on Thursday when she was asked by a reporter about the Minnesota governor being slammed for his comments about his military service.
Walz, who served in the Army National Guard for 24 years, has been scrutinized this week after he appeared to embellish his military service. His comments were thrown into the spotlight and even fact-checked by legacy media outlet CNN. In one clip that was posted by Harris&#8217; campaign, Walz said that he has carried weapons in combat zones, which is not true.
Harris was asked about the controversy and defended her running mate.
&#8220;Listen, I praise anyone who has presented themselves to serve our country, and I think that we all should,&#8221; she <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?537657-1/kamala-harris-debate-donald-trump" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.
Speaking to supporters at a campaign event, Walz <a href="https://x.com/KamalaHQ/status/1820918063966962143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1821254135947391121%7Ctwgr%5Ef9b512d09ae47aec59a21bc30feb9d636ba8617a%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailywire.com%2Fnews%2Fis-the-honeymoon-over-already-cnn-fact-checks-tim-walz-over-stolen-valor-claims" target="_blank" rel="noopener">defended</a> his push for gun control, saying, “I spent 25 years in the Army and I hunt. &#8230; I’ve been voting for common sense legislation that protects the Second Amendment, but we can do background checks. &#8230; We can make sure those weapons of war, that I carried in war, is the only place where those weapons are carried.”
During a TV segment, CNN correspondent Tom Foreman stated, “Walz did make a comment, speaking to a group — he’s done it a couple of times, where he has used language that suggested that he carried weapons in a fighting situation. As you know, with your contact with the military, I know from coming from a military family, there is a difference between being in a combat area, being involved at a time of war, and actually being in a position where people are shooting at you. There is no evidence that any time that Governor Walz was in the position of being shot at and some of his language could easily be seen to suggest that he was.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
CNN on Governor Tim Walz:
“Walz did make a comment, he’s done it a couple times, where he has used language that suggested that he carried weapons in a fighting situation. There is no evidence that any time that he was in the position of being shot at and some of his language… <a href="https://t.co/o7gEPW5Xj3">pic.twitter.com/o7gEPW5Xj3</a>
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) <a href="https://twitter.com/yashar/status/1821256532069380317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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In 2018 when Walz was running for governor, his fellow veterans — retired Command Sergeants Major Thomas Behrends and Paul Herr — <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/walz-embellished-and-selectively-omitted-facts-about-his-military-career-retired-national-guardsmen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote</a> an open letter, stating, &#8220;On May 16th, 2005, [Walz] quit, betraying his country, leaving the 1-125th Field Artillery Battalion and its Soldiers hanging; without its senior Non-Commissioned Officer, as the battalion prepared for war.&#8221;
Ohio Senator and Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance, who served in the Marines and was deployed to Iraq, <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13718597/JD-Vance-Tim-Walz-Iraq-national-guard.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> that if Behrends and Herr&#8217;s allegations are true, it&#8217;s &#8220;absolutely shameful&#8221; that Walz &#8220;abandoned his troops&#8221; before they deployed to war.
RELATED: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/tim-walz-repeatedly-misconstrued-his-military-service-here-are-the-examples">Tim Walz Repeatedly Misconstrued His Military Service. Here Are The Examples.</a>

Kamala Harris And Running Mate Tim Walz Make First Appearance Together In Philadelphia

Kamala Responds To Tim Walz ‘Stolen Valor’ Scandal

Kamala Responds To Tim Walz 'Stolen Valor' Scandal 

2024 Election

Elections

Kamala Harris

Governor Tim Walz&#8217;s (D-MN) military career has been the subject of much scrutiny over the past few days, ever since Vice President Kamala Harris tapped him to round out the Democratic Party&#8217;s 2024 ticket.
Accusations of &#8220;stolen valor&#8221; and claims that he lied about his service quickly began to circulate along with the receipts, and while Democrats rally to defend him — and accuse Republicans of &#8220;denigrating&#8221; his service — it has become blindingly apparent that no one has done more to diminish Walz&#8217;s military accomplishments than he has.
That&#8217;s not to discount the 24 years Walz served: the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/bloomberg-busts-out-one-hell-of-a-correction-amid-tim-walz-stolen-valor-furor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Minnesota governor</a> enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard when he was just 17 years old, serving there from 1981-1996. He then transferred to the Minnesota National Guard, where he served from 1996-2005 — bringing his total time in service to just over 24 years. In that time, he earned the rank of master sergeant (E-8).
But Walz, according to numerous reports, has repeatedly &#8220;embellished&#8221; his military service. His official Capitol Hill biography — which he made no move to correct — stated that he retired at the rank of command sergeant major. However, the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/minnesota-national-guard-disputes-walzs-military-biography-confirms-he-didnt-retire-as-command-sergeant-major" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Minnesota National Guard disputes that</a> and says that Walz, though conditionally promoted to CSM just prior to his retirement, failed to meet the conditions and was returned to his previous rank. In the Army, such a move might earn him the nickname &#8220;PX Ranger&#8221; — someone who bought his rank rather than earning it.
Other reports — some from the Minnesota National Guard soldiers who ultimately deployed without him — state that <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/tim-walz-said-screw-you-to-america-national-guardsman-who-reportedly-replaced-him-in-iraq" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Walz backed out</a> of those conditions and forfeited his promotion only after learning that his unit was set to deploy to Iraq. A move like that, leaving his men high and dry, would earn him the slightly less attractive code name Blue Falcon — translated: &#8220;Buddy f***er.&#8221;
Despite all that, in the time since, Walz has often <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/watch-veteran-confronted-walzs-staff-about-military-service-in-2009" target="_blank" rel="noopener">referenced his service</a> in more generous terms than perhaps it warrants. He&#8217;s said on a number of occasions that he &#8220;deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)&#8221; without offering any sort of clarification unless he was directly asked. When most people hear OEF referenced that way, they would likely assume Walz had deployed to Afghanistan — and Walz was undoubtedly aware of that.
In his efforts to promote stricter gun control, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/is-the-honeymoon-over-already-cnn-fact-checks-tim-walz-over-stolen-valor-claims" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Walz has claimed</a> that he just wants to make sure that &#8220;weapons of war, that I carried in war&#8221; cannot be owned and carried by civilians outside of combat. The obvious problem with that statement is that Walz never carried such weapons in combat because he never served in a combat zone.
Over the last 48 hours, since Harris named Walz as her running mate, the stories have come spilling out — and Democrats have scrambled to protect Walz and attack anyone who dares to suggest that he&#8217;s done anything less than honorable.
<a href="http://www.amiracist.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.amiracist.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1722714742764000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1XzmEsRwzti1RFNuISwYgd">WATCH THE TRAILER FOR ‘AM I RACIST?’ — A MATT WALSH COMEDY ON DEI</a>
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, also an Army veteran, jabbed at the Republican vice presidential nominee — Ohio Senator and Marine Corps veteran JD Vance — in a <a href="https://x.com/PeteButtigieg/status/1821372919290757399" target="_blank" rel="noopener">post on X</a>, saying, &#8220;Come to think of it, denigrating the worth of a soldier’s service based on whether he deployed to a war zone is… kind of like denigrating the worth of a woman’s citizenship based on whether she happens to have children.&#8221;
Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) <a href="https://x.com/AdamKinzinger/status/1821221087293669465" target="_blank" rel="noopener">used the opportunity</a> to denigrate Vance&#8217;s service, saying, &#8220;Ok. JD served honorably, but he wasn’t kicking down doors. He was in public affairs. Which again, is fine and honorable. Tim, after he was eligible for retirement, retired. People do that. If it was a real problem he would have been &#8216;stop lossed&#8217; and prevented from retiring.&#8221;
But the reality is that no one has denigrated Walz&#8217;s service more than he did himself. He was the one who decided that 24 years and one month was not enough (he often claims he served 25 years). He was the one who decided that a deployment to Italy — in support of troops on the ground in Afghanistan (OEF) — was not as glamorous as letting people assume that he&#8217;d been in combat himself. He was the one who decided there was no real need to correct the record when his official congressional biography reflected a higher rank than his retirement records. And he is the one who, to sell gun control, continues to insinuate that he served in a combat zone.
What&#8217;s truly insulting to his service is that, in most cases, he has stopped just short of telling the actual lie himself. He simply left the statements open to interpretation — &#8220;I deployed in support of OEF&#8221; — knowing how the statements were likely to be interpreted and letting others do the real heavy lifting when it came to inflating his resume.
The Army has a list of core values that are taught in the form of an acronym: LDRSHIP. Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. Walz&#8217;s carefully cultivated statements — and equally cultivated omissions — fly in the face of nearly all of them.
***Virginia Kruta is a 10-year Army veteran, and although she did not deploy herself, she is also the daughter of an OEF veteran who served near Kandahar and the granddaughter of two World War II veterans.

US Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz presidential campaign rally in Michigan

No One Denigrated Tim Walz’s Military Service More Than He Did Himself

No One Denigrated Tim Walz's Military Service More Than He Did Himself

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