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After necessary training and some coaching, boxing matches commence. You find yourself thrown into the ring facing a classmate, the bell dings, and it’s on! No screen, no phone, no theory, no hiding. It’s reality. That first punch in the face prompts an intensely personal and primal reaction – survival, fear be damned. As a long-time wrestler, I personally loved it. Some didn’t, but we all learned necessary lessons about ourselves, our frenemies/classmates, and reality. No participation trophies but lots of stories to embellish for years to come. I understand the appeal of the growing boxing program at Harvard. It is the one shared experience from Harvard I can likely relate to at a personal level!
This burgeoning faith revival in the U.S., particularly among men is very reassuring to me. I have two grandsons. And I’m on my own faith journey which I keep private. But I certainly recognize the draw of faith and its role in removing (rescuing?) us from our tech dominated, complex day to day world to a place far more calming and supportive. I’ve seen the positive effect of faith in Soldiers facing combat. I’ve seen it in the aftermath and recovery from terrorist acts. It’s that punch in the face that prompts us to seek more answers in the absence of meaningful solutions to the problems we face. Some may say, “No atheist in the fox hole!” That may be too absolute a statement, but it’s not too far off. The name of God is certainly heard often – in vain or in hope - amidst the reality of our personal chaos.
As far as the recruiting spike, in my opinion, it’s the result of the confluence of these societal dynamics – a search for purpose, reassurance, support, and reality in a society dominated by superficial and often meaningless experiences. You want reality? Meet that first drill sergeant, that first morning of your basic training; meet that squad of strangers from places you’ve never heard of; meet that physical or mental challenge you must accomplish as a team. Oh, I can go on... All Veterans can. These are all challenging experiences, that punch in the face that, frankly, leads to personal growth. We have an emerging population of smart youngsters who seek such reality in their own lives. Reassuring, indeed.
Recently, all Virginians got a punch in the face during the recent bizarre redistricting election manufactured by Virginia’s Democratic majority in our General Assembly. Reality became quite clear. A common sense, majority supported solution for determining voting districts enshrined in Virginia’s constitution was abandoned for a blatant power grab – from 6 D/5 R Congressional districts to a 10 D/1 R breakout. Thankfully, the Virginia Supreme Court overruled this unconstitutional action – Reality check!
But the greater lesson of this crazy episode is to see the motivation and desperation of Virginia’s Democratic lawmakers to take their trifecta in state government and turn it into a permanent majority disenfranchising 46% of Virginia’s electorate (Republicans!). It’s time in the coming 2026 elections and next year’s Virginia Senate and House district elections to make Reality Bite. Veteran and Veteran Supporters have the numbers in this state to keep Republican incumbents in office and realistically challenge all Democrats who aligned with the 2026 Constitutional power grab, IF WE TURN OUT AND VOTE. We must deliver a necessary electoral punch in the face to those who advocated, supported, and funded this recent farce. Disregard attempts to make what happens in our Congressional districts, towns, schools, and homes in Virginia overly dependent on national politics. Recognize the wolf at your door. Keep your focus local and real!
EVERY VETERAN, EVERY VOTE, EVERY ELECTION!
VETERANS FORWARD TOGETHER.
Bob Wood, LTG (R), USA
CEO, American Veterans Vote
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