Opinion

VAN HIPP: Why the Army should restore its grassroots link to America's communities

The Army needs the innovation of Silicon Valley. It also needs the commitment of Main Street and the regular people who answer the call to serve — our Forgotten Americans

By Van Hipp Fox News

Published September 26, 2026 9:00am EDT

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I first wrote about the "Forgotten Americans" in early 2016 in an opinion piece for Fox News. The phrase was actually coined by Pat Buchanan when he served as a presidential speechwriter for President Nixon. Nixon used it in at least one speech, but then started using the phrase "Silent Majority." 

In my piece, I talked about who the "Forgotten Americans" really are. They love their families and want a better life for their kids. They believe in American exceptionalism. They work hard, worship their God, and go to church. They pay their taxes and obey the law. 

When America's security is threatened, the Forgotten Americans are always the first to volunteer to defend it. They want to see America's border secured, and they're concerned........

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