1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing as an Arizona constituent to demand a fundamental shift in our state’s approach to defense, national security, and foreign policy. Calls for a "ceasefire" or premature compromise in Ukraine are nothing more than asking a victim to pause while an aggressor continues their attack. Russia must completely exit Ukrainian territory. According to recent United Nations reports, civilian casualties in Ukraine surged by 85% in September alone—leaving 328 civilians dead and over 2,100 injured. Every delay in providing Ukraine with the decisive military support it needs results directly in more innocent lives lost. If Arizona’s leaders are committed to supporting our local defense workforce, do so by equipping Ukraine to win—not by perpetuating a defense-procurement system that prioritizes corporate profits over military readiness. My late grandfather was a proud Democrat who fought in major Pacific battles during World War II aboard the heavy cruiser USS Portland (CA-33)—the "Sweet Pea." He put his life on the line to defeat authoritarianism. Later, my father spent his career in Arizona’s defense industry as a metrologist calibrating precision equipment—from testing labs and thermal ovens to calibrating the targeting system components for the A-10 Warthog’s GAU-8 cannon. My family understands this industry from the inside out. We saw firsthand how major contractors—from Motorola and General Dynamics to Raytheon—restructured, shuffled, underpaid, and laid off experienced workers near retirement while relying on expensive contractor loops. We do not need more outdated legacy systems or overpriced, locked-down hardware where interceptors cost millions and production lines cannot keep pace with hundreds of incoming enemy missiles a month. Current air defense supply chains leave the nation vulnerable to saturated drone and missile strikes from adversaries like Russia or Iran. Arizona’s defense sector should focus on rapid, high-volume production of cost-effective, adaptable weaponry that can actually defend democracy today—starting with supplying Ukraine with what it needs to defeat Russian forces outright. Senator Kelly and Senator Gallego: as combat veterans, you know that posture without real readiness is dangerous. Representative Biggs: appeasing aggressive foreign powers dishonors the sacrifice of the veterans who built and defended this nation. Stop advocating for weak compromises and inefficient defense spending. Stand up for a strong, decisive foreign policy that protects civilians, holds Russian aggression accountable, and respects the working families who keep Arizona’s defense sector running. Sincerely, -Jack