Drawing from a distinct background blending U.S. military experience with a dedication to civic cohesion, Rye Barcott has spent over ten years championing bipartisan cooperation through his organization, With Honor. His initiatives have successfully helped nearly fifty military veterans—split evenly between Democrats and Republicans—secure seats in Congress with a shared pledge to work across traditional party lines.

His book, Courage Can Save Us, dives deep into this mission by profiling ten current elected officials: five Democrats and five Republicans, comprising nine military veterans and one former FBI agent. Each profile illustrates a commitment to integrity, civility, and principled governance.

Navigating Civic Duty in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

As the digital landscape evolves and artificial intelligence reshapes daily existence, society requires a moral compass more than ever. Barcott’s work addresses critical questions regarding America's national identity, future trajectory, and the foundational values necessary to preserve humanity amid rapid technological advancement.

Every chapter opens with a compelling narrative framework before transitioning into detailed biographies that highlight how high-stakes environments forge resilient leaders. From historical echoes of John F. Kennedy's heroism to contemporary figures like Mark Kelly, Todd Young, and Mikie Sherrill, the book consistently champions servant leadership and the courage to speak truth to power.

Profiles in Resilience: Mark Kelly and Todd Young

The political polarization defining modern America forms the backdrop for these career trajectories. Retired Navy captain and astronaut Mark Kelly, for instance, has long prioritized substantive defense and intelligence work over partisan showmanship.

Mark saw himself as one of the former. At first, he rarely sought attention or led partisan fights, preferring to focus on substance, especially defense and intelligence.

Kelly's journey faced intense public scrutiny following a viral video urging service members to reject illegal orders, which drew a ferocious response from Donald Trump on Truth Social. Despite subsequent political fallout, a federal grand jury ultimately declined to indict the lawmakers in February 2026, and a federal judge ruled in Kelly’s favor in a related suit against the Pentagon.

Conversely, Indiana Republican Senator Todd Young took calculated political risks from the right. After winning his seat during the 2016 populist wave, Young spent years collaborating with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on the $280 billion CHIPS and Science Act. Designed to revitalize domestic semiconductor manufacturing and fund critical research in AI, quantum computing, and clean energy, the legislation passed with bipartisan support despite sharp criticism from populist factions.

Cultivating Courage for the Next Generation

Barcott explicitly designed the book to inspire high school and college students, positioning each chapter as an independent case study in ethical public service. To support this educational mission, With Honor provides free books for educators alongside comprehensive study guides for AP and IB civics classes through its official website.