Targeted violence on American soil is intolerable

Shelly Burgoyne

Submitted photo/VetsForward

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What are your thoughts on anti- LGBTQIA+ hate crimes and the deadly shooting at Venture-N Bar in Tucson? Tell us in 300 words or less at yourvalley.net/letters, or email your comments, name, address and contact number to AzOpinions@iniusa.org.

OPINION — VetsForward — in the most aggressive posture possible — condemns the Aug. 31 act of violence at Venture-N Bar in Tucson.

As a diverse coalition of military veterans who have sworn an oath to protect the Constitution and the citizens of this nation, we stand united against hate, bigotry and the systemic issues that allow these tragedies to occur.

The military we served in is a reflection of America itself: diverse, resilient and inclusive. We have proudly served alongside LGBTQIA+ service members, individuals of all races, religions and backgrounds. In combat and difficult training, a soldier’s identity literally does not matter. One’s commitment to your unit and team is the only thing that matters.

Seeing this level of targeted violence on American soil is intolerable, It is a product of a highly radicalized segment of our population, which is fed a diet of hate for diversity on television, some streaming platforms and social media. 

Service members are trained extensively in weapon safety, and so the incredibly easy access to firearms threatens public safety and dishonors the responsible gun ownership practiced by millions of veterans. 

VetsForward extends our condolences to the victims — 42-year-old Vincent Anthony Siqueiros and 33-year-old Cameron Davis Capara — and their families. We will continue to advocate for a society and military that is inclusive of all. 

Former U.S. Army officer and Operation Iraqi Freedom I and III combat veteran Shelly Burgoyne is Southern Arizona director for VetsForward, a nonprofit grassroots advocacy group. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.