Unity, History, and the Balance of DEI - We All Bleed Red

In the military, the uniform may be green, tan, navy, or blue — but beneath it, we all bleed the same color: red. Race, religion, hometown, or heritage — none of it matters when you stand shoulder to shoulder on the line. What matters is the oath we took, the brotherhood we forged, and the willingness to fight for the person next to us.

In the end, blood spilled on the battlefield does not ask where you came from. It does not care about your accent or your skin color. It only proves that you were willing to sacrifice for something greater than yourself.

In the shared risks, in the shared pain, and in the sacrifices written in blood, we are bound together as brothers and sisters — forever unified, forever family.

But true unity does not come from erasing our differences. It comes from honoring them. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have helped ensure that every service member, regardless of background, has had a place to serve, to lead, and to be recognized. From the Tuskegee Airmen to the Navajo Code Talkers, from the 442nd Regimental Combat Team to the trailblazing women of the WASP program, it has been our diversity — embraced, not hidden — that has made our forces stronger.

However, concerns have been raised about the potential overreach of DEI initiatives. Critics argue that an excessive focus on identity politics can lead to divisions within the ranks and detract from the military's primary mission of defense readiness. For instance, some believe that implementing quotas or emphasizing certain narratives over others might inadvertently sideline merit-based advancements. ​

Conversely, the complete dismantling of DEI programs poses its own risks. Recent actions, such as the removal of content celebrating minority service members from official military websites, have sparked backlash and concerns about erasing vital parts of military history. Such measures can undermine efforts to create an inclusive environment where all service members feel valued and recognized. ​

Today, there is a troubling movement to eliminate DEI programs in the name of “unity.” But in doing so, we risk losing the stories, the struggles, and the victories that built the very military we are proud of. We risk erasing the history of those who fought not just for America abroad, but for recognition and equality within it. Striking a balance is key: embracing diversity to strengthen unity without compromising operational effectiveness.

Acknowledging the many faces and voices that shaped our military does not divide us — it reminds us that while we may come from different places, in the end, we all bleed red. That is where our strength lies. That is where true unity begins.

We all bleed red.
We all stand together.
And we must remember every chapter of the story that got us here.

In embracing DEI we embraced what it was to honor the attributes that made us who we are.