Laid-off Veteran Sends Bold Message

Retired Sgt. 1st Class Joy Marver spent 20 years serving her country in the Minnesota National Guard, including multiple tours in Iraq. She survived a traumatic brain injury from a rocket attack, only to find herself in a different kind of battle — one she never saw coming. Earlier this year, Marver was laid off from her job at the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), part of sweeping federal government cuts. Now, she's sending a strong message by flying her American flag upside down, a universally recognized distress signal.

A Job Loss With Devastating Consequences

Marver's termination was part of a massive downsizing effort under President Trump's administration, aimed at cutting up to $2 trillion per year in federal spending. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has overseen the elimination of thousands of jobs — many of them held by veterans. While the administration claims it is merely reducing bureaucracy, the reality has hit hard for those like Marver, who had dedicated themselves to helping fellow veterans navigate the benefits system.

"I felt a purpose again," Marver said, as reported by Newsweek, about her role at the VBA. "It wasn't for money, I definitely took a big pay cut working there, it was mostly just for a purpose at that point ... I loved the job, I was back with veterans and veterans that understood me."

That purpose was stripped away on Feb. 24, 2025, when she logged into her computer only to find her access revoked. "Right then and there I knew something wasn't right," she recalled, according to Newsweek. "My heart sunk right to the bottom of my stomach and I just knew."

A Nationwide Issue With Local Impact

Marver's story isn't unique. Across the country, thousands of veterans have found themselves out of work due to federal cutbacks. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) alone has laid off 2,400 probationary employees, with a total of 6,000 veterans losing government jobs since Trump's return to office.

While some veterans support the cuts, believing they are necessary for fiscal responsibility, others are deeply concerned about the impact on services. One VA social worker described the ongoing reductions as "systemic destruction," according to The Times, saying they've left clinics understaffed and struggling to provide basic care.

Fallout of Recent Federal Cuts

Since January 2025, Trump's administration has aggressively slashed government spending, targeting so-called "non-mission-critical" positions, as reported by Newsweek. In addition to the VA, the Department of Education and other federal agencies have seen drastic reductions. Many of the terminated employees were on probationary contracts, meaning they had worked for less than a year and had fewer protections against dismissal.

As for Marver, the loss of her job sent her into a mental health crisis. She admits she considered ending her life that same day. "As I was driving away I was at a red light, during that time in the morning it is longer than usual due to rush hour traffic and it hit me at a moment looking at the bridge and wondering if I can just take this truck and drive it over this bridge. I was planning on it, I was thinking about just driving right off," she said, according to Newsweek. Instead, she drove herself to a VA Crisis Clinic and asked for help.

A Silent Protest That Speaks Volumes

In the days that followed, Marver took a drastic but symbolic step — she hung her American flag upside down outside her home in Burnsville, Minnesota. According to the U.S. Flag Code, this act signals "dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property," as reported by Newsweek.

"I did it not lightly, it took a lot of thought," Marver said, as reported by Newsweek. "It's my statement really."

Her flag has sparked conversations about the struggles veterans face, the impact of government job cuts, and the broader question of how America treats those who have served. Meanwhile, the administration insists these cuts will ultimately benefit veterans by reducing wasteful spending.

"We regret when anyone loses their job, and it's extraordinarily difficult for department leaders to make those types of decisions. But the federal government does not exist to employ people," said Pete Kasperowicz, press secretary for the VA Department, as reported by Newsweek. "It exists to serve people."

But for veterans like Marver, the question remains: How can a system designed to serve them do so when the very people who understand their needs are being shown the door?

References: Veteran Flies US Flag Upside Down After Losing VA Job | Minnesota veteran makes a statement after losing job at VA | Elon Musk's axe falls on veterans: 'I felt my 20 years of service meant nothing'