Oconto Falls, WI - I am a United States Air Force veteran who served during the Vietnam War as a flight medic.  In fact, I left Okinawa for home and discharge on the day Saigon fell.  I now live in retirement in the 8^th Congressional District and am active in a variety of volunteer efforts, all of which advocate for those who are suffering, hurt, marginalized, or disadvantaged.  This includes veterans who have been asked to do far too much for way too long.

As a veteran who has been selected to be honored on Old Glory Flight #70 and will be at several war memorials including Arlington Cemetery on September 11th, I am appalled at the desecration Donald Trump bestowed on that hallowed ground and on its caretakers.  Obvious and thoughtful rules shouldn’t be necessary at the gravesite of 400,000 veterans who died for our country, but mindless, self-centered bullies require laws and regulations that are obvious to the rest of us.  Pushing and threatening employees and deliberately photographing a campaign event at such a somber location is a horrible thing to do regardless of its legality.  Unfortunately, such nasty behavior towards veterans has been repeatedly displayed by our previous president through his disrespect of wounded warriors and POWs like Senator John McCain.

Frankly, any candidate in 2024 who would attach themselves to the coattails of such an unethical, immoral person is indeed guilty by association.

This is why I am advocating for OB-GYN Dr. Kristin Lyerly to represent me in the 8^th Congressional District as my representative in the upcoming election.

As a doctor who has brought numerous lives into this world, Kristin Lyerly has sworn on the Hippocratic Oath to do no harm, to relieve suffering, and to heal.  Kristin Lyerly understands the value and meaning of life from cradle to grave and has made it her calling and vocation to serve those sustainable values many of us hold dear.  If she or any Democrat candidate had visited Arlington Cemetery to honor the dead, she would have done so quietly, and without fanfare and self-promotion because that is the spiritually and patriotically correct thing to do.

Thank you for listening to a veteran who has dedicated his remaining life to making our state, this country, and our world a better place for all.  Please vote for Dr. Lyerly on November 5^th.

Mark Smith
Oconto Falls