Morgan Akin, an 84-year-old Vietnam-era veteran, has emerged as a notable voice against the current political climate in the United States. Residing in the conservative community of Shasta County, California, Akin has spent decades advocating for democratic values, even as he witnesses a growing divide within the nation. His experience as a military veteran has shaped his approach to leadership. As a long-time game warden who served with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, he appreciates civic responsibility.
Akin’s military career lasted nine years, five of which he spent training recruits as a drill instructor. He completed his military service with the rank of staff sergeant, before advancing to civil life and education. His formative experiences during the civil rights movement in Jim Crow Texas are vivid influences on his political ideology. Because of this, he has never once failed to support a Democratic candidate. Akin is determined never to have political spats with his friends and fellow church members. He does so in defiance, loudly touting his opinions nonetheless.
In recent years, Akin has developed a bizarre obsession with the television to learn about what’s happening in the world. This commitment to getting a pulse on the current political state of affairs has only intensified his worry about where this country is heading. He’s concerned that the current administration is creating an environment of division vs. coming together.
“He’s just tearing the country apart. The whole fabric of the country is just being ripped apart,” – Morgan Akin
Akin’s advocacy has taken the form of his personal involvement with protests against slashes to veterans’ affairs and other core social programs. We’ve been happy to have my wife and I actively engaged with hundreds of others in our community. Collectively, they have spoken out against it three different times. According to Akin, his daughter teaches in the local Head Start program, which offers early childhood education opportunities to low-income families. Feeling the weight of this experience has further kindled Akin’s passion for advocating change, particularly in response to the proposed 90% cuts to the initiative.
Akin lives with a disability and directly benefits from local VA facilities. In fact, he goes on to laud these facilities, claiming they’re some of the highest quality services he’s ever experienced. He has such profound appreciation for these services. Like many, the President is disheartened by a counterproductive agenda of administrative policies that threaten dangerous cuts to vital programs.
Akin celebrates his contrarian politics with very visible displays around his neighborhood. For the 2020 election, he wanted to make a bigger statement and put a Joe Biden sign in his front yard. Last year he was so brazen to swap it out for a Kamala Harris sign. That was a huge deal given what is largely a Republican-dominated, ruby-red congressional district. Earlier this year, Akin took down the American flag that had waved proudly outside his home for almost thirty years. This move was seen as an emotional slap in the face to the existing leadership.
“The American flag won’t fly again until things get straightened out down the line and administrations change,” – Morgan Akin
His beliefs are unique among U.S. veterans. In national surveys, about six-in-ten voters who define themselves this way support former President Trump’s candidacy for 2024. Beyond personal experience Akin makes it clear that he does not only speak from a place of personal experience, but out of concern for the generations to come. He said that brutal political violence in the world today concerns him for his children and grandchildren’s futures.
“What happens to me is immaterial because I’m 84 years old. My lifespan is decreasing daily, so it’s probably not going to have a big impact on me overall. But I have two children. I have three grandchildren. I’ve got now four great grandchildren,” – Morgan Akin
Although Akin could easily be a member of a demographic that makes up the base of just about any conservative candidate, Akin refuses to waver. Today, he continues to speak up about his disappointment with existing policies and practices, especially how they impact marginalized communities.
“People don’t want to be shown, which indicates to me they know they’re doing the wrong thing, they’re doing it anyway,” Akin stated, expressing frustration with the lack of accountability in leadership.
In each of these actions, Akin demonstrates a clear commitment to his community and guiding principles. He’s made the personal choice to remain in Shasta County, despite its difficult political environment. When questioned about relocating due to differing views, he firmly responded:
“If somebody says, ‘Why don’t you move out of Shasta and go somewhere else’. I said, ‘When I move, I’m going to Igo, that’s it. Nowhere else,’” – Morgan Akin
His passion for American values goes beyond personal beliefs. For Akin, there’s nothing worse than seeing the flag burned or stomped on.
“I still get upset if I see someone flying it upside down. And my wife gets really upset when she sees an American flag with Trump’s face on it,” he remarked.