When mass shootings like those recently in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio occur the national discussion over gun violence and control takes center stage.
One of the organizations making sure their voice is heard is Brady.
Formerly the The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, they are focused on reducing gun violence by 25% with a target date of 2025.
It's an achievable goal, according to Marine Corps vet Kyleanne Hunter, Brady's VP for Programs. But for it to be reached, many things need to change. First and foremost, Brady believes there needs to be a change in the discussions surrounding guns. For that to happen Hunter says there are a couple of groups that need to be major players in those talks. One of which is our nation's military veterans.
"These aren't easy conversations to have," Hunter said during an appearance on the Eye on Veterans radio show. "You have to push yourself outside your comfort zone. But especially as veterans we are used to doing the hard things. And I view it now as our responsibility, and our continued responsibility to our fellow Americans, to be leading the charge in having these hard conversations about the practical steps we take to end family fire."
Rep. Mast: "Unfettered access" to AR-15 is not good for the community
According to Hunter, a decorated attack helicopter pilot, the fastest track to reducing gun violence is to promote proper gun safety and storage, something vets know all about.
"We are very familiar with these weapons," Hunter said. "We understand how they work, we understand the risks of them. We are taught a very, very deep respect for these weapons."
One of the reasons why Hunter believes it would be beneficial for veterans to get involved in gun control discussions.
"One of the most important things we can do is to be the objective, rational voice," Hunter said. "And to not be used as inflammatory rhetoric on either side of the conversation."
Before you have a gun debate, make sure your terminology is correct
You can hear the full interview with Kyleanne Hunter below.
Follow Eric Dehm on Twitter @EricDehm