I stand today at a crossroads, believing that how we eat cannot be separated from who we become and that our nation is paying the price for neglecting both nutrition and those who have served.

Across America, chronic health conditions, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, are not just medical issues; they are national vulnerabilities. Among veterans, the burden is especially heavy. According to analysis, chronic diseases significantly impact a disproportionate number of veterans in the United States, leading to substantial long-term health issues. Veterans are more likely than the general public to suffer from obesity, heart disease, and other diet-related illnesses. According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 64% of female veterans and 76.1% of male veterans are classified as overweight or obese. In addition, food insecurity is more prevalent among veterans than in the general population, with rates ranging from 6% to 24%.

As someone who works with veterans, advocating for them, guiding them in their transition to civilian life, and pushing for systemic reforms, I see every day how the issue of diet is swept aside under the heavier banners of disability compensation, mental health, and medical management. But that omission is a mistake. Because diet, health, and national readiness are bound up together, and ignoring that truth endangers us all.

Let me be clear: we are not just talking about calories or fad diets. We are talking about the cultural, emotional, and........

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