Veterans Day Reflections from Comedy Creator and Military Officer

Austin von Rekemann, also known as MandatoryFunDay, is a content creator and military officer who marked Veterans Day with a heartfelt thank you while steering clear of political discussions. He stated, “Happy Veterans Day! This isn’t an endorsement of any administration or party. Democrat or Republican, it doesn’t matter to me. I just want our veterans taken care of,” during a post made from Washington, D.C.

Almost immediately, his comments section filled with mixed reactions, ranging from support to criticism. One user commented, “This seems very supportive of a particular political party,” while another expressed, “I feel bad that your presence has been completely politicized.”

Von Rekemann, whose approach combines military humor with the realities of fatherhood, continued to maintain his stance. In a conversation, he emphasized that Veterans Day should focus on service rather than political divides. “At the end of the day, I’m a uniformed soldier. I’m inherently apolitical—as I should be,” he said. He’s open to supporting any administration. “If the next administration is a Democrat and I’m invited somewhere, I’ll go. If it’s a Republican, same thing. I just want to support our community.”

He spent his morning at Arlington National Cemetery, participating in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, describing it as a “surreal” experience he will always remember. “I keep hearing that this place is in the military,” he reflected. “It was really incredible…such an important ceremony.”

He noted that the varied reactions to his online presence highlight a broader sentiment regarding veterans today. “People are very, very angry,” he acknowledged, but he added that such frustration is understandable. “If a government official requests my presence and it relates to military or veterans’ issues, I will do everything in my power to help.”

Focusing his efforts on veterans, von Rekemann collaborates with veteran-led organizations like the American Legion and Black Rifle Coffee to support the community. This fall, he took significant steps to help eliminate $25 million in veterans’ medical debt through “Operation: Debt of Gratitude.” “It’s an honor to do this,” he remarked. “The military and veteran community have blessed me more than I probably deserve.”

He shed light on why he incorporates comedy in his work, stating, “Comedy is like an equalizer; it disarms people. We raise walls and divisions between ourselves, but if I can make you laugh, you’re my friend. If I can keep you laughing, you’re like my best friend.”

Veterans Day is also a time for reflection, he observed. “The moment they realized they had lost more friends to suicide than in combat… that was probably the most significant moment,” he said. “We’re so grateful to be able to celebrate those who are no longer with us.”

While he admits he doesn’t have all the solutions, especially about veterans’ homelessness, he emphasizes the importance of mental health and employment stability. “One homeless veteran is clearly one too many. If we can address the mental health issues many veterans face and improve job security, a lot of this can be alleviated,” he stated.

He hopes that discussions will lean toward a more supportive tone in both online and offline environments. “There’s a lot of negativity from the community, and it can be discouraging,” he commented. “At the end of the day, we all have to look out for each other.”

As a father of four daughters, von Rekemann reflects that parenthood has softened his demeanor. “I prioritize empathy in the content I create, and I believe showing empathy is a strength.” Though he doesn’t follow a strict ritual for Veterans Day, he enjoys grilling at home, where his daughters particularly love his chicken wings.

If there’s one message he wishes to share with fellow veterans, it’s this: “You can choose to laugh or cry. I choose to laugh.” When discussing life after military service, he believes that veterans have more to offer than they often realize. “Everything you learn in the military will guide you to succeed. There’s nothing to hold a veteran back.”