SOLDIERS SPEAK OUT ON KAEPERNICK: His protest 'makes him more American than anyone'

While some have called it a "slap in the face" to the military for NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick to sit in silent protest during the national anthem before recent preseason games, many veterans do not see it that way.

"He is exercising his constitutional right and I'm glad that he's doing it," Benjamin Starks, a veteran of both the US Navy and US Army Reserve, told Business Insider.

Last week, Kaepernick sparked controversy after he was seen on the sideline, sitting in silence during the national anthem. He later said that he was "not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color."

He continued his protest Thursday night, when the San Francisco 49ers quarterback again sat during the national anthem before a preseason game.

His choice to sit during the anthem sparked plenty of debate. Even Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump chimed in, along with Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Kaine. And earlier this week, a new hashtag - #VeteransForKaepernick - emerged in his support on Twitter, with many veterans saying the 49ers quarterback's right to free speech was exactly what they swore to defend.

Business Insider asked veterans for their thoughts on Kaepernick, and many were happy to share their views (lightly edited for clarity), pro or con. And one thing became very clear: The opinions of veterans can greatly vary.