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Common Defense
@commondefense.bsky.social
Continuing our service. The largest grassroots Veteran community. Fighting for a country that works for ALL of us. We organize. We vote. We win. Join us → https://commondefense.us/

#VetsForDemocracy #VetsAgainstTrump
We fixed the signage at the Pentagon.

Real leaders show up. Peter Hegseth is playing hide-and-seek to avoid @duckworth.senate.gov

If you're going to deploy troops into American cities, you'd better be brave enough to explain why to the Senate. We are demanding answers.
November 22, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Common Defense condemns all political violence.

Context: Veterans in Congress reminded troops of their Oath & UCMJ. They were told it was "punishable by DEATH." Now, Rep. Deluzio faces bomb threats, following the President's demand for death.

We will not be intimidated.

https://bit.ly/48cODNu
Bomb threats made against Congressman Chris Deluzio’s Carnegie, Beaver County offices
Congressman Chris Deluzio’s offices have been targeted with bomb threats.
bit.ly
November 21, 2025 at 10:34 PM
The USCG "disputes" plans to soften hate symbol bans—but only after alarm bells rang.

Lene, our Deputy Director, told @Independent: "It almost feels like they’re trying to pick the wrongest opinion you could possibly have and decide to die on that hill."

https://bit.ly/3XaCMug
Coast Guard disputes claim new guidelines no longer consider swastikas hate symbols
The Coast Guard said suggestions it no longer prohibits extremist imagery like swastikas are ‘categorically false’
www.independent.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 7:40 PM
A DoD employee blew the whistle: Trump's 'war' on cartels is "patently illegal" & "nonsense".

Service members are being given unlawful orders AND, we are handing China the "lawfare" precedent they need to take Taiwan.

This is a stunt, not a mission.
#UnlawfulOrders

https://bit.ly/4ifAfsf
US troops should be alarmed at Trump’s strikes on alleged drug boats
Opinion: The author of this op-ed argues the recent strikes on alleged drug boats create a precedent that gives an advantage to America's near-peer adversaries.
bit.ly
November 21, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Hegseth's war on "woke" is an attack on our own military history.

The military has consistently led the way in inclusion before the civilian world.

This was never for politics. It was for readiness.

Hegseth's division is the real threat to the force.

#MilitaryHistory

https://bit.ly/4oN6Kk2
Hegseth’s style counters military’s history as engine of social change
Professors of military history say Hegseth’s actions — and plans for more — are a reversal of the role the American military has often played.
www.militarytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:09 PM
The Trump plan to restart nuke tests isn't just reckless, it's a wasteful BOONDOGGLE.

Experts say it could cost over $1 BILLION to get "rusty" old facilities ready for tests we don't even need.

That money would be pulled from existing programs, impacting our readiness.
https://bit.ly/4i3dW93
Experts: Full nuclear weapons tests would backfire on US
Experts agreed if the U.S. resumed full nuclear weapons tests, other nations would do the same — giving them a chance to catch up on nuclear knowledge.
www.militarytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:46 PM
"How do I receive retirement orders signed by the Secretary of the Air Force if they were prematurely given out?"

Master Sgt. Ireland is one of 17 troops suing the Trump admin for revoking their signed retirement orders.

Pete Hegseth & the admin must be held accountable.

https://bit.ly/49Yq35b
‘All for nothing’: Air Force trans troops sue over revoked retirement
Seventeen transgender service members filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for revoking the opportunity for early retirement.
www.militarytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Illustrated by Veterans, we're honoring leaders who shaped our fight for justice with our Veteran Patron Saints Series.

Meet the first two:
• Harriet Tubman: Union Army scout & abolitionist
• César Chávez: Navy vet & labor icon

Show the world what we stand for.

https://bit.ly/4oWzdnm
November 17, 2025 at 8:59 PM
"He may have been carrying fish, or he may have been carrying cocaine, but he had not been sentenced to death." Colombian President Petro.

Now, he is halting intel sharing & calling for a war crimes investigation.

This is the chaos of an undeclared war.

https://bit.ly/44dQNee
Colombia to suspend intelligence sharing with US over boat strikes
Colombia's president has ordered security forces to stop sharing intelligence with the U.S. until it stops striking suspected drug trafficking boats.
www.airforcetimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:22 PM
ARIZONA: Veterans are mobilizing to defend our communities.

Join Common Defense for the Rally de las Rosas to stand against mass deportations, ICE raids, and anti-DEI policies.

📍 PHOENIX: Nov 20 | Arizona State Capitol

https://bit.ly/47VLvp9
Rally for Our Veterans — Tucson VA, Nov 8
Join Common Defense AZ and VetsFWD for the first stop of the Vet Deployment Caravan in Tucson! We'll rally at the VA Hospital to stand with veterans and demand an end to veteran deportation. Show up, ...
actionnetwork.org
November 17, 2025 at 4:34 PM
ARIZONA: Veterans are mobilizing to defend our communities.

Join Common Defense for the Rally de las Rosas to stand against mass deportations, ICE raids, and anti-DEI policies.

📍 PHOENIX: Nov 20 | Arizona State Capitol

https://bit.ly/47VLvp9
Rally for Our Veterans — Tucson VA, Nov 8
Join Common Defense AZ and VetsFWD for the first stop of the Vet Deployment Caravan in Tucson! We'll rally at the VA Hospital to stand with veterans and demand an end to veteran deportation. Show up, ...
actionnetwork.org
November 12, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Heartfelt thanks to everyone at our Fayetteville resource event. We were proud to be joined by allied orgs & volunteers to provide free haircuts, food, and resources to veterans & neighbors. This is community.

#CommonDefense #FayettevilleNC #Veterans #MilitaryFamilies #Community #VetsSayNo
November 11, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Just want to give a massive shout-out to our organizers in Pittsburgh and Arizona.

They spent their weekend bringing vets and allies together, having the real conversations that build lasting power.

This is the hard, essential work of democracy, and it's incredible to see. This is how we win.
November 10, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Trump is again threatening to use the military against Americans, vowing to send "more than the National Guard".

As our organizer, Ed, told TheGrio: "It's all a game to him... He has no idea what it means to put your life on the line... and it's evident in everything that he's doing."

#Veterans
Trump threatens to send ‘more than the National Guard’ into US cities: ‘He desperately wants to seem strong’
Trump escalated threats to send troops to U.S. cities, telling military troops that he is prepared to send "more than the National Guard."
thegrio.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:44 PM
The admin does believe in subsidized housing for wealthy aides like Stephen Miller.

He's taking a military home during a supply shortfall, while our ED, Jose Vasquez, notes that "service members are lining up at food banks."

This is a choice. And it's wrong.
https://bit.ly/4hLhj4z
Stephen Miller Scores Free Military House in ‘Trump Green Zone’
The White House aide now joins a growing list of Trump cabinet secretaries who have also moved into military homes.
bit.ly
November 7, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Norfolk Vets & Allies:

This Veterans Day (11/11), join us at Afterglow Brewing for a Stand Down, featuring critical services for at-risk veterans (housing, medical, benefits), followed by a Town Hall to protect the VA.

Action, not words.

#Norfolk #Veterans #VeteransDay https://bit.ly/4nJnTK2
Veterans Stand Down & Town Hall – Norfolk, VA
Join us for a community-led event supporting homeless and at-risk veterans. Access on-site housing, medical, mental health, benefits, legal, and employment services — plus personal care items and loca...
actionnetwork.org
November 7, 2025 at 3:54 PM
The Senate failed to pass a War Powers Resolution to block unauthorized strikes, ignoring 8,000+ letters from our members.

This is a reckless attempt to manufacture war. It's how forever wars start.

We condemn this failure. No president should start a war alone.

https://bit.ly/4nGhSxy
Veterans Condemn Failed Senate Vote Blocking Trump’s Unauthorized Strikes on Venezuela
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, the Senate voted on a bipartisan War Powers Resolution to block Donald Trump’s unauthorized military strikes off the coast of Latin America. This vote should have been a...
bit.ly
November 7, 2025 at 3:53 PM
ARIZONA: We are mobilizing to defend our communities.

Join us for 2 major rallies to stand against mass deportations, ICE raids, and anti-DEI policies.

📍 TUCSON Nov 8 | Tucson VA Hospital
📍 PHOENIX Nov 20 | Arizona State Capitol

RSVP for full details on both events.

https://bit.ly/4qCineY
Rally for Our Veterans — Tucson VA, Nov 8
Join Common Defense AZ and VetsFWD for the first stop of the Vet Deployment Caravan in Tucson! We'll rally at the VA Hospital to stand with veterans and demand an end to veteran deportation. Show up, ...
bit.ly
November 6, 2025 at 5:20 PM
VICTORY: A federal court blocked an unconstitutional attack on military voters.

The order forced overseas troops to mail sensitive documents just to register.

However, the threat isn't over: The same order also allows states to reject ballots due to mail delays.

https://bit.ly/3LqFBVa
Tougher voting rule for Americans overseas — including military members — halted by federal court
The ruling blocks the part of an executive order that required documented proof of citizenship to register in federal elections.
www.stripes.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:10 PM
We proudly announce a 100% victory rate for our endorsed candidates. When Common Defense organizes, we win.

Congrats to Gov-Elects Abigail Spanberger (VA) & Mikie Sherrill (NJ), Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani (NYC), & Councilman-Elect Shaun McMillan (NC).

Volunteers: You made this happen. Bravo Zulu.
November 6, 2025 at 12:05 AM
Military families are at food banks as troops work without pay during the shutdown.

The admin promised low grocery prices. Doesn't matter if you're not getting paid.

A total failure of leadership.

Please support your local food bank if you can.

https://bit.ly/4i0NwVH
Need for support grows in military communities as shutdown anxiety builds
Troops are getting their Nov. 1 paychecks, but the Treasury secretary said they will start going without pay by Nov. 15 if the shutdown continues.
bit.ly
November 5, 2025 at 5:06 PM
The mission for 2,300 National Guard troops in D.C. has been extended AGAIN, now keeping them there through the holidays, without a plan to feed them.

D.C.'s own AG is suing to end the "deployment" and have them home with family

This is not a serious mission.

https://bit.ly/437a6Wo
National Guard mission in DC extended into 2026
The extension keeps hundreds of National Guard personnel stationed in Washington, D.C. through at least February.
bit.ly
November 4, 2025 at 4:50 PM
ARIZONA: We are mobilizing to defend our communities.

Join us for 2 major rallies to stand against mass deportations, ICE raids, and anti-DEI policies.

📍 TUCSON Nov 8 | Tucson VA Hospital
📍 PHOENIX Nov 20 | Arizona State Capitol

RSVP for full details on both events.

https://bit.ly/4qCineY
Rally for Our Veterans — Tucson VA, Nov 8
Join Common Defense AZ and VetsFWD for the first stop of the Vet Deployment Caravan in Tucson! We'll rally at the VA Hospital to stand with veterans and demand an end to veteran deportation. Show up, ...
bit.ly
November 3, 2025 at 4:33 PM
This administration preaches "lethality," but what they want is loyalty.

Lt. Gen. McGee is the latest to be forced into early retirement, reportedly for clashing with Hegseth.

Hollowing out experienced leadership for political loyalty is a direct threat to our readiness.
https://bit.ly/4363VBP
Army 3-star general retires early from Pentagon role as shake-ups continue
A senior Army general is retiring from his Pentagon role after less than 18 months, while an Admiral was moved out of an R&D position.
bit.ly
November 1, 2025 at 5:18 PM
As powerful as the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is, all of its weaponry cannot stop a single drug overdose.

So why send a carrier group (~4,500 personnel) to join 6,000+ troops in a major escalation?

It won't stop the crisis Big Pharma created; the real culprits are in boardrooms.
Hegseth announces Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group heading to Latin America
Deployment of a carrier group marks a major escalation of U.S. forces in a region that has already seen an unusually large military buildup.
www.stripes.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:12 PM