When I raised my right hand and took the oath as a United States Army officer, it was more than a formality. It was a solemn promise. A commitment not just to defend our nation, but to stand by my fellow Americans, especially in their darkest hours. One principle was drilled into all of us soldiers from the very beginning: we do not leave Americans behind.
That principle does not expire when you hang up the uniform. It does not fade with time or change with title. Today, as a member of Congress, the mission remains the same.
Recently, I had the honor and responsibility of advocating for the safe return of Dennis Coyle, an American who found himself detained overseas under deeply concerning circumstances. When I spoke with his family, I gave them my word that I would use every tool at my disposal to fight for his release.. And I am proud to say that through persistent engagement and the strength of American diplomacy under President Trump’s leadership, Dennis Coyle is home.
This is what America First looks like in practice. It means putting our citizens at the forefront of our foreign policy. It means sending a clear message to the world that if you detain an American unjustly, you will face the full weight of the United States government. And it means that we do not rest until our people are brought home.
But our work is not done.
There are still Americans who have not returned. There are still families waiting for answers, for closure, for justice. One of those families is the family of Kayla Mueller.
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Kayla was a young American humanitarian who dedicated her life to helping others. In 2015, she was brutally murdered by ISIS terrorists in Syria. Her story is one of courage, compassion, and unimaginable sacrifice. Yet, more than a decade later, her family is still waiting to bring her home.
That is unacceptable.
The United States government has a moral obligation to do everything in its power to recover Kayla Mueller’s remains and return them to her family. This is not just about closure. It is about honoring her life, her service, and the values she stood for. It is about ensuring that even in death, no American is abandoned.
Some may argue that these efforts are complicated, that the geopolitical realities of places like Syria make recovery operations difficult. They are right. It is difficult. But difficulty has never been an excuse for inaction. If anything, it is a call to action.
As a former Army officer, I understand the risks and the challenges. But I also understand the cost of failure. When we fail to bring Americans home, whether they are detained abroad or fallen in conflict, we send a dangerous message. We signal weakness. We erode trust. And we betray the very principles that define us as a nation.
That is why I will continue to push, to advocate, and to demand action. Because this is not just about one case or one family. This is about who we are as Americans.
We are a nation that stands by its people. We are a nation that honors its commitments. And we are a nation that does not leave its own behind.
To the families still waiting, know this: you are not alone. Your fight is our fight. Your loved ones will not be forgotten.
And to those around the world who would seek to harm or detain Americans, let this be clear: the United States will never stop fighting for its people.
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