To The Editor:

I had the honor of serving under Brandon Moore when he commanded our Apache Attack Helicopter Troop during our 2019-2020 deployment to Afghanistan.

We were stationed at a small, austere base near the Pakistan border. It was remote, dangerous, and unforgiving. Brandon led more than 70 helicopter pilots, maintenance soldiers, and support personnel in combat operations that often took place in the middle of the night, flying through mountain passes under extreme conditions. The stakes were high: every mission carried enormous risk despite the critical importance of our objectives.

What stood out about Brandon was not just his tactical skill, though he had plenty of that — it was how he led. Brandon led with compassion for his soldiers. He led with humility, never placing himself above the team. And he led with a deep conviction in American values and in the mission to support a democratic government in Afghanistan.

As soldiers under his command, we trusted him with our lives. That is not a figure of speech. We trusted his judgment in the air and on the ground because he earned that trust every single day. He truly believes that leadership is about putting people first.

When I heard that Brandon was running for State Representative here in Connecticut, I was immensely proud. The same qualities that made him an exceptional commander will make him an exceptional public servant and leader in government. If the people of Newtown entrust him with their representation, they will have a leader who understands sacrifice, who has managed enormous responsibility under immense pressure, and who will never forget the people he is serving.

Brandon Moore fought to defend American democracy overseas. I know he will fight just as hard to represent and protect Newtown as your next State Representative.

Jason Ishum

Oxford