Military Families Condemn Kamala Harris for Claiming No U.S. Troops Are in War Zones

Outraged family members of U.S. troops injured in the line of duty have condemned Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent claim that no Americans are currently serving in war zones.

Harris made the statement during a televised debate, despite her administration’s acknowledgement that thousands of U.S. service members are deployed in regions designated as hostile or dangerous.

Outraged family members of US troops hurt in the line of duty slammed Kamala Harris’ brazen claim that no Americans are serving in war zones. Getty Images

Harris stated during the debate, “As of today, there is not one member of the United States military who is in active duty in a combat zone.” This assertion has sparked backlash from military families and experts, who argue that troops in regions like Iraq, Syria, and Jordan face ongoing threats of enemy attack. Many of these troops are receiving “hostile fire” or “imminent danger pay,” indicating the dangerous conditions in which they serve.

Garrett Illerbrunn was critically injured in Iraq when a drone launched by terror group hit his airbase. Courtesy of Bradd Illerbrunn

Retired Army Col. Jonathan Sweet noted that up to 50,000 U.S. service members in the Middle East and Africa are in areas where they could come under attack. In response to Harris’ comments, some families of injured soldiers expressed frustration, accusing her of downplaying the ongoing risks faced by deployed troops.

Brad Illerbrunner, whose son was critically injured by a drone strike in Iraq, said Harris’ claim “really [hit] below the belt,” adding, “We’re still in war zones.” His son, Chief Warrant Officer Garrett Illerbrunner, was nearly killed in a Christmas Day attack on the Erbil Air Base in Iraq, which left him disabled and injured two other soldiers.

Garrett Illerbrunn received a Purple Heart following the drone attack. Courtesy of Lorna Illerbrunn

Other military families, including Holly Davis, whose husband is currently deployed in Syria, also voiced their anger. “It’s very hurtful that someone who is currently our vice president is making these claims when my husband is literally sacrificing his life every day over in the Middle East,” Davis said.

Nearly two dozen nations are recognized as combat zones by the IRS, according to reports. Mike Guillen/NY Post

Harris’ comments also drew criticism from military analysts who argued that despite the absence of large-scale wars, U.S. troops continue to face real danger in areas designated as combat zones by the IRS. These regions allow soldiers to receive tax exemptions for serving in hazardous areas, underscoring the risks involved.

Michael DiMino, a fellow at the Defense Priorities think tank, suggested Harris and her team were trying to score a technically accurate point that belied the fact that US service members were still coming under fire and dying during deployment. AFP via Getty Images

Vice President Kamala Harris implied during the debate that the Harris-Biden had heralded in a period of peace. AFP via Getty Images

A Harris campaign spokeswoman reiterated that the U.S. is not currently involved in any formal wars, but acknowledged that troops stationed in hostile areas are still taking risks for the country. However, military families and experts argue that this fails to reflect the reality of ongoing combat operations and daily threats to American service members.