Brian Kolfage, a triple-amputee Air Force veteran, is currently facing a dire situation in a federal prison, where the inadequate medical care he receives is raising alarm and outrage. Kolfage, deemed the “most severely wounded Airman to survive any war” due to his service in Iraq, was wrongfully convicted by operatives from the Southern District of New York for receiving a salary related to his involvement in the privately funded border wall initiative, We Build the Wall. This initiative arose from Kolfage’s frustration with government inaction on border security, particularly amid what he viewed as obstruction from the Democratic Party. His sentence of 51 months shadows the clemency shown to others in similar positions, notably Stephen K. Bannon, who received a pardon from President Trump for associated charges.
For years, Kolfage has fought for the cause of border security while concurrently addressing his serious medical needs stemming from his service-related injuries. In a distressing message, he described the appalling conditions of his incarceration, detailing the lack of proper sanitation equipment and medical care appropriate for someone with his unique injuries. Kolfage reported he is forced to use plastic containers for urination and defecation due to the unsuitability of prison toilets for his condition. Worse still, he noted that the medical team in the prison has failed to manage his health adequately, leading to serious complications, including becoming pre-diabetic and developing high cholesterol and blood pressure.
Kolfage’s messages underline not just the physical suffering but also significant mental anguish stemming from prison mismanagement and inadequate resources. He expressed deep frustrations regarding his wheelchair setup, which has exacerbated his excruciating nerve pain and overall discomfort daily. Despite a visit to Mayo Clinic indicating he required a specialized wheelchair to address these issues, prison officials denied the request, citing a lack of funds. Instead, Kolfage has been provided only minimal adjustments to his accommodations, leading to a decline in his overall health. He lamented the lack of proper hygiene facilities, having resorted to baby wipes for cleansing purposes over the past year, highlighting the extreme unsanitary conditions that he faces.
In light of Kolfage’s deteriorating health and the unjust nature of his imprisonment, Congressman Paul Gosar has been a dedicated advocate for his release. In speeches, he has highlighted the contrast between Kolfage’s service to the country and the shameful treatment he receives from U.S. government institutions. Gosar pointed out the absurdity of Kolfage’s imprisonment, particularly in light of his accomplishments in constructing a border wall—something that was borne out of necessity and was clearly beneficial to national security. Instead of receiving a hero’s welcome, Kolfage was met with intimidation tactics that saw him arrested without consideration for his disabilities.
The broader governmental response to Kolfage’s actions underscores a trend of harsh retaliation against those engaging in activities viewed as nonconforming to current political narratives. In describing Kolfage’s work with We Build the Wall, Rep. Gosar criticized the selective application of justice, contrasting Kolfage’s sentence to the leniency afforded to others in similar contexts. He called attention to the fact that Kolfage merely sought to address issues many see as vital for national safety, embodying the determination to safeguard the border when government agencies seemed unwilling to act.
A growing movement is underway to advocate for Kolfage’s freedom, driven by outrage over his treatment and a desire to see justice served. Efforts to connect with him in prison, raise awareness, and launch campaigns supporting his cause are being organized through various channels, including social media and public demonstrations. The rallying cry echoes a broader frustration over the treatment of veterans and citizens who face undue persecution for actions aligned with civic interests. Kolfage’s plight serves not only as a personal tragedy but as a larger commentary on the political divisiveness that has infiltrated issues of governance and justice, forcing advocates to fight for what they see as a fundamental miscarriage of justice.
In conclusion, it is paramount to acknowledge the human rights implications of Kolfage’s situation, emphasizing the need for reform in how disabled veterans and others in the prison system are treated. The outcry for Kolfage is both a call for immediate relief for his suffering and a broader condemnation of the political machinery that perpetuates such injustices. By raising awareness through organized movements and rallying public support, there is hope this veteran will receive the respect, care, and freedom he rightfully deserves. Brian Kolfage’s story, marked by sacrifice and resilience, stands as a stark reminder of the need to protect and honor those who have served their country, ensuring that their rights and dignity are upheld under all circumstances.