Military families have had one of their biggest advocates living in the vice president's mansion for the last eight years. And regardless who wins in November, that should continue for four more.
Both vice presidential candidates this year are the fathers of active-duty Marines, a distinction that advocates say is important in an era where few Americans have a direct connection with the military.
First Lt. Nathaniel Kaine, son of Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine, is an infantry officer serving with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, who recently deployed to Europe. Second Lt. Michael Pence, son of Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence, is in flight school at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Florida.
The two hopefuls will square off in their only debate Tuesday night, vying to replace Vice President Joe Biden as the unofficial top military dad in the country. His son, Maj. Beau Biden, served in the Delaware Army National Guard and was deployed to Iraq for most of his father's first year working in the White House.
Joe Biden has frequently talked about the anxiety and hardship his family faced during Beau's deployment, both to military and nonmilitary crowds.
Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO and founder of Blue Star Families, said that level of involvement and awareness from one of the country's top leaders is invaluable.
"It gives us confidence that our concerns are going to be heard," she said. "They understand the culture of military families because they are one. It's not pandering or politicking. It's leadership and experience."
Roth-Douquet noted that Joe Biden hasn't been the only member of his family driving the attention to military spouses' and children's issues. Jill Biden helped found the White House's Joining Forces initiative with first lady Michelle Obama, and has been an outspoken advocate on military spouse employment and military children support issues.
Joyce Raezer, executive director of the National Military Family Association, said having individuals who understand what military family life is like in the White House helps everyone in an administration better appreciate the sacrifices involved with military service.
"It’s not just them, but who they and their (sons) are talking to," she said. "What is happening to their buddies? What is their spouse doing when they are gone? How are their kids doing?
"They’re also thinking as they make these national security decisions that there are real people involved in the results."
Raezer is hopeful that regardless who wins, the new vice president will push the new commander in chief to continue the Joining Forces initiative in some form, to keep a national focus on military issues beyond budget fights and foreign affairs. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has pledged to continue the program if she is elected.
Roth-Douquet said she sees both vice presidential candidates’ military affiliation as good for the national conversation on service.
"We need talented individuals to serve in the military in the future, and when you see families at the highest political level involved, it inspires others to serve," she said.
"And it’s great that this year, it’s both parties with military connections. Because the military belongs to everybody."
The vice presidential debate starts at 9 p.m. Eastern time. Follow @LeoShane
Leo Shane III covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He can be reached at lshane@militarytimes.com.
Leo covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times. He has covered Washington, D.C. since 2004, focusing on military personnel and veterans policies. His work has earned numerous honors, including a 2009 Polk award, a 2010 National Headliner Award, the IAVA Leadership in Journalism award and the VFW News Media award.
