What We Represent
As military veterans, we deeply understand the need for leadership that reflects the inherent values of our nation and propels us responsibly forward. Our principles never waiver and guide us in supporting the right candidates ready to lead our nation.

Civility
We believe that America benefits from respectful discourse. Civility is necessary for a functioning democracy where ideas are communicated and fairly debated.

Service
We believe that elected officials serve the people. Americans deserve thoughtful leaders who thoroughly consider the impact of their decisions and actions.

Integrity
We believe that America deserves leaders who put principle before ambition. Our national interest requires honesty.

Optimism
We believe that America’s best days are yet to come. Together we can overcome the divisions and cynicism threatening our republic.

Strength
America must have an engaged, active presence in the world and remain a global leader. We are stronger abroad when united at home.

Our Work in Action
Keep up with the latest from VFRL on our Medium blog.
Is Being Above The Law The American Way?
Donald Trump and his supporters, collaborators, and enablers argue that Trump is being subjected to a different standard for following the law than others. The truth is different and special treatment is exactly what Trump wants and has come to expect. Dan Barkhuff asks, is that the American way?
June 13, 2023 · D. Barkhuff
Betrayal: When Veterans Choose Killing Americans Over Protecting Them
Radicalization takes time, but the initial challenge of finding the freakshow of preppers, anti-government militias, and racists online is a part of the appeal. It bathes the insecure and pathetic in the dopamine of specialness and danger: the danger of “Antifa,” the danger of “communists,” and the “deep state.”
Mar 15, 2023 · D. Barkhuff
Moral Clarity In The Most Amoral Of Wars
Putin wrongly believed Trump had made America and NATO weaker and seized the moment to invade Ukraine. Dan Barkhuff writes Putin's miscalculation has united democracies around the world against Russia's criminal invasion and morally indefensible war.
Feb 10, 2023 · D. Barkhuff
From Twitter
Neither let us be slandered from our duty by false accusations against us, nor frightened from it by menaces of destruction to the government nor of dungeons to ourselves. Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.
- Abraham Lincoln

Our Work in Action
Keep up with the latest media and press from VFRL and our leadership team.
June 13, 2023 · D. Barkhuff
Is Being Above The Law The American Way?
Donald Trump and his supporters, collaborators, and enablers argue that Trump is being subjected to a different standard for following the law than others. The truth is different and special treatment is exactly what Trump wants and has come to expect. Dan Barkhuff asks, is that the American way?
Mar 15, 2023 · D. Barkhuff
Betrayal: When Veterans Choose Killing Americans Over Protecting Them
Radicalization takes time, but the initial challenge of finding the freakshow of preppers, anti-government militias, and racists online is a part of the appeal. It bathes the insecure and pathetic in the dopamine of specialness and danger: the danger of “Antifa,” the danger of “communists,” and the “deep state.”
Feb 10, 2023 · D. Barkhuff
Moral Clarity In The Most Amoral Of Wars
Putin wrongly believed Trump had made America and NATO weaker and seized the moment to invade Ukraine. Dan Barkhuff writes Putin's miscalculation has united democracies around the world against Russia's criminal invasion and morally indefensible war.