Mark Eberhardt

When I earned my commission in the United States Navy, I swore an oath to defend the Constitution, and I lived that oath for 26 years. I flew reconnaissance missions during the Cold War, supported combat operations in Desert Storm, and advised senior leaders in Washington, London, and NATO on some of the toughest security challenges of our time. My service began rescuing Cubans fleeing Castro’s dictatorship, and it carried me across the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East, often into situations where failure meant certain death. I’ve watched Soviet warships shadow us at sea. I’ve flown long, dangerous missions over unstable regions. I’ve strengthened America’s border security and used declassified space technology to help civilian agencies safeguard our nation and advance our scientific research. I’ve carried out humanitarian missions in Ukraine and seen firsthand the brutality of Putin’s authoritarian war. So when I see Hegseth and Trump threaten military members of Congress, saying we should be arrested or killed for honoring their oath, I have one thing to say: I’d like to see you try. We’ve faced adversaries far more dangerous, and far more competent than the two of you combined. Your desperation and ignorance reek of fear - and real soldiers can smell fear a mile away. Our oath is our compass. Full stop.