All Service Matters”: Taking the #ReasonableRanks Campaign to Moreno Valley City Council
- Kirk Carlson
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
This week, I reached out to the Moreno Valley City Council by email to share an urgent and often overlooked issue: the thousands of service members who are honorably discharged due to injury or illness during training—without ever being deployed.
As a United States Marine Corps veteran and founder of Covenant of Courage, I’ve met countless veterans who signed up with every intention to serve their country but were released from duty after sustaining non-combat injuries. These individuals often receive no career reassignment, no accommodations, and very little recognition for the sacrifices they made.
That’s why I started the #ReasonableRanks campaign—to fight for equity, dignity, and acknowledgment for all who served, regardless of where or how long they served.
In my email to city officials, I didn’t ask for money or legislation. I simply asked for a statement of support or a city proclamation that affirms the value of all service—combat or not. Even a few public words from our city leaders could help break the silence and validate the experiences of these veterans.
To date, the campaign has reached over 140 signatures, and we’ve shared the stories of powerful voices like:
Robert Basso, a Vietnam-era draftee who was discharged after a hip injury in boot camp and lived for decades with survivor’s guilt and a sense of shame.
Luis Gras, discharged after developing undiagnosed Perthes disease during basic training, who still battles the physical and emotional effects of being left behind.
These are just two among many.
Moreno Valley has a long tradition of honoring military service, and I believe this city has the opportunity to lead by example—by saying clearly that injured does not mean unworthy.
I invite the public to sign the petition, read our veterans’ stories, and help us build momentum toward change:
Because courage doesn’t start on the battlefield—it starts the moment you take the oath.
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