As a 26-year-Veteran of the U.S. Army, Independence Day holds profound significance for me in both a personal and professional capacity. It’s more than just a long weekend with friends, family, and fireworks — it’s a reminder of the values we defend, the sacrifices we make, and the ideals that define our nation.

As a Colonel who commanded over 800 troops in Iraq, I know all too well the cost of freedom. It is earned through the sacrifice of those who stepped up to serve, many of whom never made it home. It is a reminder of the solemn oath we took to defend our Constitution, our way of life, and the liberties of every citizen. Today is a day that we reflect not only on America’s past, but also on our future responsibilities. 

As a nation, we will always face new threats and uncertainties, both at home and abroad. Sadly, due to the reckless open-border policies put in place by Joe Biden and supported by Congressman Don Davis, we are facing an unprecedented battle within our own borders. Since Joe Biden took office, our southern border has been overrun. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol reported that there have been over eight million encounters with people trying to enter the country illegally. That number does not include the known “got aways” or the countless more who are unknown. 

My opponent, Rep. Don Davis (D), has had little to say on the invasion at our southern border other than to say we should avoid casting partisan blame. This is ironic as Davis has a very partisan record in terms of voting in support of the Biden agenda that has crippled our border security. In fact, Davis voted in lock step with Joe Biden to make our country less safe when he joined every voting Democrat in voting against the Secure the Border Act in May of 2023.

Some of the same people coming across our border today are the terrorists I fought while overseas. Don’t believe me? According to a recent report from NBC, “more than 50 migrants with potential ties to an ISIS-affiliated smuggling network are at-large, their whereabouts unknown.” God only knows how many other terrorists are at-large across the country. 

This insanity needs to stop. We need new leadership in Washington, and that is why I am running for Congress. We need battle-tested fighters who will stomp out the status quo that has resulted in this mess. As Americans, we can’t forget that our liberties we hold dear can be taken from us if we don’t have the courage to fight for freedom and the resilience to uphold it.

  So, this Independence Day, let’s reflect on the courage and bravery of our forefathers that shaped the strongest and most prosperous nation on Earth. But also focus on preserving the freedoms that define America, which starts with securing our borders and keeping our enemies out.

Retired Army Colonel Laurie Buckhout is running for Congress in North Carolina’s 1st District. She is a decorated combat commander who follows a long line of combat veterans, including her Infantry Colonel father and her Army Air Corps Flight Nurse mother.

Laurie grew up on a farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and attended James Madison University on an ROTC Scholarship. She was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Army Signal Corps in 1984 and spent the next 26 years in assignments around the world, including commanding an 800-person battalion task force as part of the initial spearhead attack into Iraq in 2003. 

Laurie’s military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), and several awards of Joint and Army Commendation and Achievement Medals. She also wears permanent orders of the Meritorious Unit Citation, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Meritorious Unit Award, as well as the Combat Action Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Joint Staff, White House and Army Staff Badges.