Congressman Derrick Van Orden | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Derrick Van Orden | Official U.S. House headshot
In the midst of congressional chaos, one member of Congress is making a bold commitment to Israel. Former Navy SEAL and combat medic, DVO, is taking a stand and dedicating himself to supporting the Jewish people and their nation during this time of crisis.
DVO, who served our country for over 26 years, understands the importance of sacrifice and the common goal of keeping our nation safe and secure. However, he expresses disappointment in the dysfunction and lack of unity within Congress. He states, "When the entirety of the minority party can team with a minority of the majority party to remove a Speaker of the House, it is clear that Congress has become a dysfunctional body that is incapable of putting aside personal and political differences to work together for the American people."
DVO's commitment to Israel stems from personal tragedy and a deep understanding of the importance of time. He shares the heartbreaking loss of his first child last year, a loss that has given him a profound appreciation for the value of every moment. He believes that time is a gift that we can give to others, and he wants to use his time to make a difference in the world.
After retiring from the military, DVO made a promise to the Jewish people that he would stand with them in times of crisis. He states, "If anything like what took place on October 7, 2023, were to ever happen, that I would help them and their nation to the best of my ability. I am keeping that promise."
DVO's trip to Israel during this time of crisis serves multiple purposes. Firstly, he aims to witness and understand the horrific acts that have been and continue to be committed. He wants to be able to speak from an informed position and refute those who deny the atrocities taking place. As a retired Navy SEAL and combat medic, he is uniquely qualified to assess the ground truth and bring that information back to Congress. He hopes to increase the sense of urgency among his colleagues to put aside personal and political differences and act in the best interest of America and its allies.
DVO also plans to inspect medical facilities in Israel to gain a holistic understanding of the current and future needs of the Israeli people. He will engage in discussions with military and governmental officials to determine how best to provide support, as he expresses a lack of trust in the Biden administration to do so truthfully.
In conclusion, DVO's commitment to Israel in the face of congressional chaos is a testament to his dedication and sense of duty. He is willing to put aside personal and political differences to stand with the Jewish people during this time of crisis. As he embarks on his trip to Israel, he hopes to bring back vital information and increase the sense of urgency among his colleagues in Congress. DVO's commitment serves as a reminder that even in times of turmoil, there are individuals willing to step up and make a difference.
To learn more, click on this link: https://vanorden.house.gov/media/press-releases/opinion-my-commitment-israel-midst-congressional-chaos