Iowa veteran warns America has lost touch with military sacrifice
As the nation marks 250 years since its founding, an Iowa native who served in elite Army Ranger units in Iraq and Afghanistan is sounding the alarm that most Americans have become dangerously disconnected from the realities of military service and war.
Matthew Griffin, 47, a West Point graduate from Iowa who now lives near Hilo, Hawaii, said many Americans only understand military service through Hollywood movies and have no grasp of what is actually asked of those who serve.
“They have these glorious movies that get put in front of the media, and that’s about the extent that they’re willing to reach into what our military does,” Griffin said. “They just don’t understand, they just couldn’t, they’re just so insulated from it … so I wouldn’t say it’s their fault, they’re just not aware.”
Griffin’s comments come as the Navy’s massive biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise brings military forces from around the world to Hawaii, and as America reflects on the role of its armed forces during the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
Iowa’s deep ties to military service
Griffin is part of a long tradition of Iowans serving in the U.S. military. The state has consistently ranked among the top in the nation for military service per capita, with many families sending multiple generations to defend the country.
His concerns echo those of Allen Hoe, 79, a Vietnam veteran and former state judge who lost his eldest son, 1st Lt. Nainoa Hoe, to a sniper in Mosul, Iraq, in 2005. Hoe warned that American leaders now find it too easy to send other people’s children to war.
“Those who shoulder the burden have become lesser and lesser in numbers and lesser and lesser in terms of value or political capital,” Hoe said.
The high cost of service
Sterling Kanoa Beair, a former Army combat medic who served in Iraq, said America often honors the image of the soldier more than the actual person. Beair, who struggled with post-traumatic stress and homelessness after his service, now works as a counselor on Molokai.
“Soldiers are asked to carry things that most citizens will never ever have to see, do or remember,” Beair said. “We’re asked to leave our families, suppress our fears, just follow orders, survive violence, sometimes participate in things that go against our spirit, our humanity. And then we come home and we’re expected to, like, return to a normal life like nothing happened, and it’s not realistic, right? It’s not fair.”
Military service and Hawaiian identity
For some Native Hawaiian veterans, service in the U.S. military has raised complex questions about identity and loyalty. Sparky Rodrigues, 77, a Navy combat engineer who served in Vietnam, said the violence of war shattered his childhood patriotism.
“Going to Vietnam gave me a perspective of confusion initially, because I grew up American in school,” Rodrigues said. “You do the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag — there’s a patriotism and loyalty that’s instilled in you since elementary school.”
Beair, however, said he has reconciled his military service with his Hawaiian heritage.
“I no longer see these identities as opposites, I see them as just responsibilities,” he said. “My military service taught me to protect people. My Hawaiian identity teaches me what I am protecting: our people, our culture, our aina.”
A call for greater understanding
Griffin said his service showed him both the best and worst of America’s role in the world. He urged Americans to take a more active interest in what the military does and how it is used.
“It makes me recognize the impact we can have as Americans; it could either be good or bad,” he said. “It’s really just going to be which direction we, as a citizenry, want to go or we allow our elected leaders to go. As a nation, we can move a lot of people to do a lot of good in the world, or we can do some not so good in the world.”
As the 250th anniversary celebrations continue, Griffin’s message to Iowans is clear: understand the full weight of what the country asks of its service members, and ensure that those who carry that burden are never forgotten.
FAQ: What Iowans should know about military service and sacrifice
Why does Iowa have such a high rate of military service?
Iowa has a strong tradition of military service rooted in community values, patriotism, and family heritage. Many Iowans come from multigenerational military families, and the state’s rural culture often emphasizes duty and sacrifice.
What challenges do veterans face when returning home?
Many veterans struggle with post-traumatic stress, substance abuse, and difficulty reintegrating into civilian life. Lack of decompression programs and mental health support can make the transition harder.
How can Iowans better support veterans?
Iowans can support veterans by volunteering with organizations like the American Legion or VFW, advocating for better mental health services, and simply taking time to understand the realities of military service beyond what is shown in movies.