DID TIM SCOTT SERVE IN THE MILITARY?
Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) has not served in the military and therefore is not a Veteran. However, being a native of North Charleston and part of a military family, it’s a community that Scott has long been a part of.
Tim Scott Military Service Explained
Joint Base Charleston is a major part of the coastal South Carolina metro’s identity and Tim Scott knows this all too well. Coming from a military family, Senator Scott has two brothers currently serving in the American Armed Forces. Therefore, he understands the sacrifices made by service members and their families. However, Scott isn’t a Veteran as he has not served in the U.S. military himself. Known for his conservative politics, Scott is a strong supporter of the military. He has voted against the Budget Control Act and recent pension cuts, which could hinder the military community. One of the core goals of Senator Scott is maintaining a strong military through investment in funding and the right equipment.
Supporting South Carolina Veterans
Tim Scott may not be a Veteran but his track record shows he supports them as a strong advocate for the South Carolina community. The Palmetto State has about 400,000 Veterans, and Scott has worked to help them keep well-deserved health benefits. He also fought against cuts to their pensions, and helped the Department of Veterans Affairs cut its backlog. Additionally, Senator Scott also introduced the SEA Jobs Act to help Vets find jobs in the energy industry, and has organized annual honor ceremonies that celebrate different Veterans each year.
Tim Scott’s Presidential Campaign
There was a push for Tim Scott to run as the Republican presidential candidate in 2024; however, a full campaign never really materialized. Tim Scott ended up dropping out of the race in a shocking move two months before the Iowa caucuses. As with most presidential candidates these days, questions arose about Scott’s military service record. Again, while he doesn’t appear to have first-hand experience, Scott’s connection through his family and his hometown places him adjacent to the community at the farthest and connected through multiple contacts. Whether or not Senator Scott makes another push to become POTUS after the 2024 presidential election cycle remains to be seen. However, Veteran or not, his experience serving the people of Charleston and South Carolina as a whole, places him in the position to become a more prominent political figure in the future. Suggested reads:
- Did Donald Trump Serve in the Military?
- Brothers in Arms: A Glimpse Into the Lives of American Civil War Soldiers
- Did Kamala Harris Serve in the US Military?
Sources: Defense, Tim Scott. Accessed July 2024. https://www.scott.senate.gov/issues/defense/ South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott abruptly ends 2024 presidential bid…,AP. Accessed July 2024. https://apnews.com/article/tim-scott-drops-out-2024-race-b9cc8fbeba57a123789d8d0484164e38