The Tragedy in Lithuania
On March 25, 2025, four brave American soldiers lost their lives during a military training exercise near Pabradė, Lithuania. Staff Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., Staff Sgt. Edvin F. Franco, Pfc. Dante D. Taitano, and Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins were on a mission to recover a broken-down tactical vehicle when their M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle sank into a swamp near the Belarusian border. These men were dedicated mechanics serving as part of NATO’s eastern flank reinforcement—a critical mission during these times of regional tension.
As a veteran who served our country, the response to their sacrifice by our commander-in-chief has left me deeply troubled and angry.
A President’s Priorities
When President Trump addressed the incident, his focus was telling. Rather than honoring the individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice, he emphasized the vehicle’s characteristics, describing it as “very heavy” and suggesting its weight caused the reservoir’s shore to collapse. This mechanical analysis instead of human empathy struck many veterans as callous and misplaced.
More disturbing was his decision to skip the dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base—a solemn tradition where presidents receive the remains of fallen service members. Instead, Trump delegated this sacred duty to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth while he attended a dinner for the LIV Golf tournament at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.
This choice speaks volumes about priorities. When a president must decide between honoring fallen soldiers or attending a golf event, the decision should be automatic for anyone who truly values military sacrifice.
A Tale of Two Nations
The contrast between our president’s response and that of our Lithuanian allies couldn’t be more stark. Lithuania held a solemn farewell ceremony in Vilnius’ Cathedral Square where thousands gathered, including President Gitanas Nausėda. Lithuanian citizens spontaneously assembled outside the U.S. Embassy, bringing flowers and holding American and Lithuanian flags in tribute.
President Nausėda’s words—”For us, it is more than a duty, it is an emotion”—captured what was missing from our own leadership’s response: genuine reverence for sacrifice.
When our allies show more respect for our fallen soldiers than our own commander-in-chief, we must ask difficult questions about the values our leadership embodies.
A Pattern of Disrespect
This incident unfortunately aligns with previous controversies. In 2020, The Atlantic reported that Trump had referred to fallen U.S. soldiers as “suckers” and “losers” during a 2018 trip to France. While Trump denied these allegations, his former Chief of Staff John Kelly confirmed in October 2023 that Trump repeatedly disparaged service members, calling them “suckers” and “losers,” and expressed disdain for military amputees.
Kelly stated that Trump showed contempt for Gold Star families and questioned the value of military service—statements that resonate painfully with his response to this recent tragedy.
More Than Politics
This isn’t about partisan politics—it’s about fundamental respect for those who serve. As someone who wore the uniform, I know that military service transcends political affiliation. The solemn duty to honor those who give their lives in service must be upheld regardless of who occupies the White House.
Every president faces the heaviest of responsibilities when American service members die under their command. How they respond reveals their character and values. In this case, the choice to prioritize a golf tournament over a dignified transfer ceremony reflects a profound failure of leadership and respect.
A Call for Accountability
We must demand better for our service members and their families. When Americans die while serving their country, they deserve a commander-in-chief who recognizes the weight of their sacrifice—not through perfunctory statements, but through meaningful actions that demonstrate genuine reverence.
The Lithuanian people showed us what respect looks like. Their spontaneous outpouring of grief and solidarity stands as a powerful reminder of how we should honor those who serve.
As veterans and citizens, we must hold our leaders accountable to the highest standards when it comes to respecting military sacrifice. Our fallen heroes deserve nothing less.
