Newsletter

December 4, 2023

Our Strategic Goals

★  Support Veterans and their Families

★  Defend our Constitution as Written and Amended

★  Protect the Nation at Home and Abroad 

Bob Wood

CEO, American Veterans Vote

LTG (R), US Army

But the election on November 7 was close, remarkably so, despite the crowing and celebrating in the liberal press. You can read here an insightful article to this effect by Edward Lynch as featured in the 28 Nov 2023 Richmond Times Dispatch. Some points:

•  Control of the Virginia General Assembly turned on less than ½ of one percent of the total votes cast; despite all the Democrat “ball spiking” and “Younkin bashing,” they barely managed a tie.

•  In the two closest HD races won by Democrats, a switch of only 1,068 votes in those two districts and the House would have retained a Republican majority.

• Similarly, in the two closest SD races won by Democrats, a switch of only 3,395 votes (out of 145,170 cast or .02%) would have meant a Republican takeover.

• Redistricting tilted the House to Democrats in 56 of 100 races according to all the “pros.” They won only 51 seats and overall lost one seat in their majority.

“You wouldn’t have won if we’d beaten you!”

                                 -Yogi Berra (again)

There’s no doubt that AVV’s strategic focus to turn out Veteran voters in close races with narrow winning margins remains valid. Every Veteran, Every Vote is a powerful objective given that 10% of the state’s population are Veterans of which 420K+ vote. This number is higher when you consider Veteran households. The statewide average voter turnout for this election was 41.6%. We’re still pursuing this year’s Veteran voter turnout rate, but Veteran voters have turned out at an average rate of 67.9% across the last four elections! In the 2024 elections coming up, Veterans once again bring the decisive edge to election results. In 2024, our motto must be Every Veteran, Every Vote, Every Election. Leave no Veterans behind.

“Make a game plan and stick to it. Unless it’s not working!”

                            -Yogi Berra (thanks)

Our operations and actions will once again adjust to a new upcoming election cycle. AVV is framing our annual After-Action Review with an emphasis on member support, outreach, data refinement, and messaging. Unlike in the military, our AAR’s don’t have a ready framework of doctrine, standards, and tactics. But we can measure results across a range of supported campaigns and candidates. This gives us ready comparisons and insights on effective practices. Add some brutal honesty to our conversations and we move the ball forward every year in this process. We are now three years into the work of AVV. As a standing organization, we are dedicated to actual learning inside a space where few others Veteran entities operate. The good news is we keep building a membership and a set of talented Veteran leaders who continue to add remarkable talents to the work we do.

“If the world were perfect, it wouldn’t be!”

                  -Yogi Berra (of course)

Thank you to all AVV members and supporters who worked so hard at community, region, and state level. I’m always struck by the similarity of the campaigns we support now as Veterans and the campaigns many of us supported while in Service. The breadth of efforts, the wins and losses both big and small, the sacrifices and victories mutually celebrated and shared, and the relationships affirmed and strengthened. It all feels familiar…and very welcome. Take a knee, take a breath, and recognize that the contributions we all made in Support of our Veterans, the Defense of our Constitution, and the Security of our Nation were very necessary and worthwhile. Have a great holiday season.

Veterans Forward

Every Veteran, Every Vote…AND EVERY ELECTION!

Bob Wood

LTG (R), USA

CEO, American Veterans Vote

**UNFORTUNATE NEWS**

To the AVV Team – it’s with great sadness and respect, I must unfortunately inform you that this weekend, we lost Col (R) Bill Flanagan. After a short illness he passed away with his family near and his spirit resolved to join his Lord and his beloved wife, Diane, in heaven. He was a great leader, Soldier, father, husband, and friend. As an original founding member of American Veterans Vote, he set the example for us all in his support to Veterans and our AVV mission. He will be sorely missed. See the thoughts on his passing below written by our chaplain, Dr. Michael Hoyes, in this month’s edition of the AVV Newsletter.

Inspiration Corner

By

COL (R) Michael B. "Yama" Hoyes

Let Us Reflect and Give Thanks

Thanksgiving probably gave each of us pause, and that’s such a good thing. Time to take a breather. Time to reflect on the wonderful nation we live in. There are many things that AVV members did and are doing for not just AVV but for the betterment of our state and nation. I can't help but give thanks to everyone, and to also thank God for each of you. We have a long way to go as we look across the state encouraging our fellow Veterans and those who support Veterans to vote…but for now, let us reflect and give thanks.

Many of our nation’s Veterans CONTINUE to serve our nation, especially in organizations such as AVV. We do so freely with our gifts and talents, which is reminiscent of Romans 12. There, Paul tells us that in God's provision, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." (Rom12:6-8)

So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, would you pray with me? Lord, thank You for providing these servants, each with unique gifts, who are facing the challenges of our time. Please give all of us the strength to continue our efforts, no matter the difficulty, remembering the ultimate gift You gave to each of us…for unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. Amen.

EVERY VETERAN, EVERY VOTE!

Bill Flanagan was such a servant, not just as a military man and father, but by continuing to serve this land that he loved as an engaged and encouraging Veteran and Founding Father to American Veterans Vote. With every day and every interaction, we can’t help but say, “Well done, Bill Flanagan, you were a good and faithful servant!” Though we miss you already, we will always hold you in our hearts, remembering you and all that you have given, and we pray for your precious family who we know will carry your legacy forward. And we can’t help but imagine the smile you are receiving from your Heavenly Father.

American Veterans Vote, Inc. (AVV) is a volunteer team of Veterans and Veteran supporters who led the Veteran Coalition for Glenn Youngkin. We are a 527 Political Action Committee with a nationally-focused mission to promote the political voice of Veterans and Veteran supporters in support of our three strategic goals:

• Support of Veterans and their Families
• Defend our Constitution as Written and Amended
• Protect the Nation at Home and Abroad

AVV’s goal is to help Veterans maximize their political voice by supporting Veterans’ ability to Vote, Volunteer and Run for Public Office.

"Every Veteran, Every Vote."

We don't speak FOR Veterans... we speak AS Veterans.

Stay Connected to AVV