I say this often.
I'll say it again.
Being a veteran does not automatically bestow one with some magical power to be morally correct in all things merely due to such veteran status.
Just as in the broader society, there are many highly-decorated veterans who are narcissistic, self-serving, amoral scum.
What someone thinks or says on public policy matters should intellectually stand on its own two feet, without regard for an appeal to veteran authority (a new logical fallacy I just invented).
I blame our "Thank you for your service" culture.
Veterans can be wrong too.
I say this as a veteran.