Will Your Voice Be Heard in 2008?

Major Dean A. Millard, USMC (Ret.)
OCF Director of Finance

When I was on active duty, I was not politically active. I was stationed far from home and did not feel that the local issues of the off-base community really applied to me.

However, I’ve always had deeply held political opinions and I liked to discuss the merits of certain candidates for national office with my contemporaries.

But I never expressed a political opinion in the company of those Marines I led. I felt that by doing this, I could avoid even the appearance of undue influence over my subordinates.

I always made sure to look for the Voting Officer of my unit and apply for an absentee ballot, something I also encouraged the Marines I led to do.

Sadly, there were times during my career that a Voting Officer could not be found or no absentee ballot arrived from my home state despite my application.

Even when an absentee ballot did arrive in the mail, I usually only voted for the presidential candidates because I did not have a chance to find out about the local issues and candidates.

However, with today’s access to the Internet, those stationed almost anywhere in the world can find out what issues are being discussed at the local, state, and national levels, and what the candidates at all those levels are saying.

Plus, now all the services appear to make sure that Voting Officers are appointed and given the tools they need.

Now that I’m retired, I’m a whole lot more politically active. While I’m careful never to express an opinion in any place or time that could possibly be misconstrued as coming from Officers’ Christian Fellowship, I freely express my own personal opinion.

I put political bumper stickers on my car, signs in my yard at home, march in parades, and even walk precincts—going door-to-door passing out campaign literature and encouraging others to vote.

It’s been implied that because of the separation of church and state, Christians should not be involved in politics. It appears to me that non-Christians would then be free by default to take over the reins of government and have a disproportionate influence on the future direction of our culture.

Even from within Christian circles I’ve heard that Christians should not be involved in politics, claiming that politics is dirty and corrupt. That can be true, but only if men and women of integrity (either Christian or non-Christian) are not involved in politics.

I also firmly believe that there is a critical place for those with military service in the political process, even those still on active duty.

Because of our experiences, we have a perspective which the general population—and most political candidates at all levels—do not have.

I believe that not only do the majority of our political candidates realize this, some actively seek out both active and retired military to act as advisors. For several years, I had the opportunity to work with my local congressman on his Military Affairs Advisory Committee.

I encourage you to use the tools available to you to learn about the issues and the candidates that you can vote for.

Find out who your Voting Officer is so you can get your absentee ballot (if needed) and have your voice heard.

You may not be interested in holding a sign and waiving at passing motorists (I have found it surprisingly fun!), but there are many ways to support a candidate: by making phone calls, helping with mailings, writing letters to the editor of your local newspaper, and calling talk radio shows.

Even better, approach the office holders in your area, and volunteer to assist them in understanding and appreciating the unique perspectives and experiences of those who have served in uniform.