Times Union photo by Michael P. Farrell.

When I was stationed in Iraq, I watched men and women walk for miles just to cast their votes for the first time. I remember the purple ink on their fingers, the pride in their eyes. It was a moment I’ll never forget. It looked like democracy. It felt like freedom.

I spent over two decades in uniform. I served five deployments across Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. I began as a military police officer, later became a public affairs officer, and finished my service at West Point. I also had the honor of working in the secretary of the Army’s office under a Republican congressman who was appointed by a Democratic president. That experience reminded me: Real service is never about partisanship. It’s about getting the job done. It’s about showing........

© Times Union