To the Editor –

I am responding to Joshua Dhanens’ editorial in the Oklahoma Daily regarding the newspaper’s use of a photo of my running mate and me in military uniform.

Although I think it is important to clarify that our candidacy is not officially endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the U.S. Army, I disagree with the assertion that it is somehow wrong to have allowed the use of the photo. Soldiers who are not on active duty are allowed to “seek, hold, and exercise the functions of a nonpartisan civil office.” And, in the course of their candidacy, they are allowed to “include or permit the inclusion of their current or former specific military duty, title, or position, or photographs in military uniform, when displayed with other non-military biographical details.” I encourage the author to review DoD Directive 1344.10.

All of the candidates are involved in many different prestigious organizations on campus. It’s part of who they are and they’re proud of their affiliations. Our service in the military is part of who we are and it represents our dedication to our duty to our country. We just happen to put our lives on the line. I think we’re entitled to be just as proud of that affiliation as anyone else on campus who wears t-shirts promoting their organizations.

– Nicholas Harrison

Click here to read the letter from Joshua Dhanens

Click here to see the picture and read the story