God, it’s painful.

I used to escort political VIPs like this to military bases. Full “douchecanoe” mode. The entire installation would have to snap to attention. Uniforms pressed. Everyone in B’s or better. The whole place on high alert just so some suit could point at things and pretend they understand how the military works.

The worst was a former senator who decided he just had to visit GTMO—on Veterans Day.

Yeah. Wrap your head around that.

A federal holiday. The garrison side of the base is typically in a low ops posture—except the detention facility, which never really sleeps. But here comes Senator Muckity-Muck, and the whole base has to scramble. Full dress. Shoes shined. Stand by for the reception of the VIP. “Yes sir. No sir. Great idea, sir.”

The looks I got? Utter disbelief. Can’t say I blame them.

And these visits? They’re not free.

This latest junket—three hours in the middle of nowhere for a glorified photo op—probably cost taxpayers $5-6 million. I say that as someone who booked over 200 mil air ops. That’s Air Force transport, refueling aircraft, Combat Air Patrol, Secret Service, and an entire base of people on standby.

All so this jackass can take a picture in a parka while junior enlisted scramble to kowtow to him.

Five. Million. Dollars.

Three hours.

But sure—cut Grandma’s Social Security. No soup for you. Gotta fund Hillbilly Buttface’s snowball tour.