Guest: Why you should vote for Hillary Clinton
Thirty-three years ago, I raised my right hand and swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and began my service in the United States Air Force. During my career, I commanded the 6th Air Mobility Wing in Tampa and the 17th Air Force at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and later served as Air Force Chief of Safety and Director of the Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office.
For our veterans, active duty, and their loved ones, the stakes in this presidential election couldn't be higher. That's why I emphatically support Hillary Clinton's candidacy for President of the United States.
She's the only candidate with the temperament and proven skills to be commander in chief of our armed forces. Her decades of experience in the U.S. Senate and as America's chief diplomat make her the most qualified candidate in a lifetime.
Moreover, as a U.S. Senator, Hillary Clinton served on the Armed Services Committee and worked with Republicans to increase survivor benefits from $12,000 to $100,000, expand health care for National Guard members and reservists, and to raise money to build a state-of-the-art veterans rehabilitation center.
She's the daughter of a World War II vet who has empathy for our Gold Star parents and respect for our former prisoners of war.
Conversely, Donald Trump doesn't have respect or empathy for those who step forward to serve, or the sacrifices they make. He suggested that veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder aren't "strong" and "can't handle it." That statement was not only incredibly disrespectful, but also displayed staggering ignorance of years of research and advocacy.
He recklessly blunders into our most challenging national security issues with the attitude of a world-class narcissist. He believes he "knows more about ISIS than the generals do" and thinks NATO is "obsolete," despite an increasingly belligerent Russia. His misunderstanding of terrorism plays right into our enemy's hands: ISIS is already featuring Trump in their propaganda.
This November, Americans have two options: entrust our military - our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, moms and dads - to a temperamentally unstable, inexperienced and erratic rich-kid-billionaire who hid behind his privilege to finagle five deferments from the Vietnam War draft - or - we can elect Hillary Clinton, a proven leader with the experience and judgment to lead our military. A leader who respects the service of those who have gone before us, understands the sacrifices of those currently in uniform, and recognizes the sacred obligation of a commander in chief to our future heroes.
During my years in uniform, no matter how I voted, I've proudly saluted our commander in chief without reservation.
But for the first time in my life, in nominating Donald Trump, a major political party has put forth a candidate utterly incapable of leading the men and women of our armed forces. That's why 50 prominent Republican National Security experts signed a letter saying Donald Trump "would be the most reckless president in American history."
Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, perhaps the most respected defense official of our generation - and a Republican - called Donald Trump "too great a risk for America," "beyond repair," and "unqualified and unfit to be commander-in-chief."
Meanwhile, over 100 retired admirals, generals and other national security officials have shown their support for Hillary's candidacy.
This year, the stakes could not be higher, nor the contrast between candidates more stark.
America does not need to be great again. We are great. And only Hillary Clinton can ensure we stay that way.
Maggie Woodward is a retired major general in the U.S. Air Force. She was the first woman to command a combat air campaign and was selected for the 2011 "Time 100" list of the world's most influential people.