In this Veterans Day message, Nate Charles speaks candidly about the tension between pride in service and disillusionment with the nation’s current direction.He explains that the oath of service was never to a person or a party, but to the Constitution — a document meant to outlast any single leader.

Drawing from his own experience as a Navy SEAL and federal prosecutor, Charles explores the authoritarian nature of military life, the moral meaning of sacrifice, and the betrayal felt when citizens — including fellow veterans — support leaders who scorn the rule of law.

He reminds listeners that service is not about glorifying power, but about protecting freedom from it.

“The purpose of military service was never to glorify power. It was to protect freedom from it… The oath still matters.”

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