Former Marine Corp. Captain Anneke Gambina said she did not put her life on the line to watch Trump and Musk shred the Constitution.

Corner of Harvard and Alton in the Irvine Civic Center.

In a show of solidarity and commitment, veterans gathered at the Irvine Civic Center on a rainy day to protest what they believe are harmful policies enacted by the Trump/Musk Administration. The gathering was underscored by the U.S. Army’s Soldier’s Creed that promises, “I will never leave a fallen comrade,” a vow that many military personnel have upheld, even at the cost of their lives.

The protest highlighted growing concerns about federal workforce cuts, which have reportedly led to thousands of job losses, including among veterans. Attendees expressed frustration over what they see as an administration focused on reducing costs at the expense of vital healthcare services for veterans. According to PBS, 90 percent of the 482,000 employees within the Veterans Health Administration are veterans themselves, making any job reductions particularly concerning for the health services provided.

Nick Carter organized the protest after learning demonstrations were taking place in Washington, DC.

Nick Carter, a Navy veteran and organizer of the protest, voiced his discontent, stating, “When I took the oath to defend our Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, it really meant something to me.” Carter, who served on a submarine tender and a fast frigate, was inspired by similar demonstrations he learned about on Reddit. “I thought I might be out here by myself,” he said but found a community willing to join him.

Navy Veteran Karl Haffner: “I missed the camaraderie and I haven’t forgotten my shipmates.”

Among the attendees was Karl Haffner, a fellow Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War. “I am out here protesting the GOP. They are trying to disrupt the government and deny benefits,” he declared.

Many protesters shared personal stories of loss and gratitude for their veterans, including Ingrid, who spoke of her father’s service in the Marines and his subsequent death linked to Agent Orange. “Though my dad isn’t with us, it is important for me to show up and support our veterans in his memory,” she shared.

Photo of Sandra Anderson’s father in Vietnam.

Sandra Anderson, another protester, expressed her concerns about the future of veterans. Her father, a Vietnam veteran, returned home safely, and she emphasized, “I’m one of the lucky ones; my dad made it home. He’s alive today and healthy.” She echoed the sentiment that the current administration’s approach is detrimental, saying, “It’s sad, depressing, and angering that veterans are being treated this way.”

The impact of federal workforce reductions is significant, with nearly 30 percent of federal employees identified as veterans, many of whom are disabled. This statistic underscores how policies affecting federal jobs can disproportionately harm those who have served in the military.

The protest comes amid troubling news related to national security. Just two weeks after the Irvine protest, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s team disclosed plans for an airstrike on Houthi rebels in Yemen through an unsecured chat service, raising concerns about breaches of classified information.

The historical context of veterans’ employment rights includes the Veterans Preference Act of 1944, which aimed to prioritize veterans in hiring processes and provide protections against layoffs, addressing the financial hardships faced during their service. As veterans gather to voice their concerns, they hope to remind the nation of their sacrifices and the need for support and respect in return.

Ingrid’s father during one of his three tours in Vietnam.

“Veterans sacrifice more than the current president could ever understand and deserve to be taken care of,” said Ingrid.

“My dad, an Army veteran, is just now starting to open up to me about his experiences in Vietnam,” said Sandra.