JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Chris Budahas talks about the wars in Iran and Ukraine, concerns about President Trump’s statements, and decisions affecting the U.S. military.
Retired Colonel Chris Budahas, host of First Coast Military Life, spoke with Kristine Bellino about several major military and political issues, including the ongoing wars in Iran and Ukraine, President Donald Trump’s recent comments, and decisions involving the U.S. military.
One of his biggest concerns is how long the wars have continued without a clear plan to end them.
Budahas said the war between Russia and Ukraine has reached a point where neither side has been able to bring the fighting to an end. He also questioned whether international organizations are doing enough to help.
He explained that while many Americans are more focused on the economy, conflicts overseas can still affect their everyday lives, including the prices they pay for groceries and gas.
Concerns about Trump’s comments
The conversation also focused on Trump’s recent remarks about Iran potentially attacking Los Angeles and San Diego.
Budahas called the comments inappropriate and said they should not have been made.
Bellino asked what would happen if an active-duty military member made similar statements. Budahas said that person could face punishment under military law.
The two also discussed another statement from Trump in which he said he could do whatever he wanted if he chose to.
Budahas said those comments concerned him and that presidents should hold themselves to a higher standard.
The war in Iran and military families
Budahas also discussed the continued fighting with Iran and questioned what the United States is trying to accomplish.
He said the country still has a strong military, but political leaders need to explain their goals more clearly.
The interview also covered reports of more than 800 American service members wounded and at least 19 deaths during the war with Iran.
Budahas said military families deserve to understand why their loved ones are being sent into dangerous situations.
He also spoke about the return of the USS Abraham Lincoln to San Diego after a deployment of nearly 10 months, praising the sailors and Marines for their service.
Fort Hood shooter scheduled for execution
Another major topic was Nidal Hasan, the former Army psychiatrist convicted of killing 13 people and injuring 32 others during the 2009 shooting at Fort Hood, Texas.
Hasan is scheduled to be executed by firing squad on December 3, 2026, following approval of his death sentence by President Trump. The execution could still be delayed by legal action.
Budahas said he supports the death penalty and believes Hasan should have been executed years ago. However, he also expressed concern that the execution could bring Hasan more attention.
Should the USS Doris Miller be renamed?
The interview also covered a proposal to rename the USS Doris Miller, an aircraft carrier under construction, after President Trump.
The ship is named in honor of Doris Miller, a Black Navy sailor who received the Navy Cross for his actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
Senator Cory Booker has introduced legislation to prevent the ship from being renamed. No official name change has been approved.
Budahas disagreed with the proposal, saying Miller deserves the recognition for his military service.
He also explained that naming military ships and buildings after service members helps keep their stories alive for future generations.
Why these issues matter in Jacksonville
Toward the end of the interview, Budahas and Bellino discussed the importance of the military community in Northeast Florida.
Budahas estimated that the Navy’s presence at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport and Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay brings about $8.1 billion in economic activity to the region.
He also said civilians play a major role in supporting military operations, from providing supplies to helping military families.
Budahas reminded listeners that military issues do not affect only those serving in uniform. They also affect their families, local businesses and the communities around them.
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