DUANE SHERRILLEditor

Members of the Coffee County Democratic Party gathered in front of Oakwood Cemetery for a “Hands Off Our Military” protest this past Saturday.

“This wasn’t just another demonstration—it was a call to defend the lifeblood of our community and the dignity of those who have served our nation,” said Michael Stein of the CCDP. “Citizens in Tullahoma may wonder: why now? Why is this protest necessary? The answer is simple—our livelihoods, our veterans, and our future are under attack.”

The public protest came after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced plans to slash $5.1 billion from Department of Defense contracts.

“For many, that number is just a statistic, but here in Coffee County, it represents jobs, families, and the stability of our local economy,” Stein said. “We’ve already witnessed the pain caused by Republican-led cuts to other government sectors. If similar reductions hit Arnold Air Force Base, the consequences would be devastating.”

Arnold AFB contributed over $1 billion to our local economy last year. “The work done there isn’t just important—it’s unique, irreplaceable, and it keeps America’s military at the forefront by securing our national defense,” he noted.

The party spokesman said there is concern that veterans will be left without adequate help when it comes to the VA.

“The threat doesn’t stop with defense contracts,” Stein said. “Many of our neighbors—our friends, our family—are veterans who rely on Veterans Affairs for critical healthcare. The Republican-controlled Congress is now pushing to eliminate more than 80,000 jobs from the VA, rolling staffing back to 2019 levels. We remember those days: endless wait times, overworked staff, and veterans falling through the cracks. Cutting the VA isn’t just a budget decision—it’s a betrayal. Over a quarter of VA employees are veterans themselves. These cuts aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet; they’re a direct attack on the men and women who proudly wore our nation’s uniform.”

He pointed out that last year, under Democratic leadership, the VA reached historic highs: over 9 million veterans enrolled and more than 127.5 million healthcare appointments delivered. As Rep. Katherine Clark said, “Democrats are here to say in unison we will not allow our veterans to be defined as government waste.” Our veterans deserve respect, not abandonment.

“It’s a tragedy that 1 in 8 homeless Americans is a veteran,” Stein said. “Instead of addressing this crisis, President Trump’s 2026 budget proposes a staggering 44% cut to HUD’s affordable housing, homelessness, and community development programs. These cuts will force more families—more veterans—onto the streets, compounding an already heartbreaking problem. The Coffee County Democratic Party stands united, unwavering in our support for our military and veterans—here at home and across the nation. The Republican attacks on our military and those who have served are not just unnecessary; they are heartless. That’s why we took to the streets in Tullahoma. And that’s why we’re asking you to contact your local, state, and national representatives. Tell them to keep their hands off our military. Tell them to keep their hands off Arnold Air Force Base. Tell them to stand up for our veterans, and stand up for Coffee County.”

The CCDP will hold a breakfast fundraiser in the Community Room at the Coffee County Administrative Plaza in Manchester on July 12 from 8 to 10 a.m.