In a move to bolster his 2024 presidential campaign, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has launched the “Veterans for DeSantis Coalition” in South Carolina. The coalition, which features a national leadership team and a grassroots component, aims to highlight DeSantis’s military service as the only veteran in the race.
The campaign announced that the coalition will debut at a series of events in Anderson, South Carolina, starting on Thursday. These events will serve as a platform to communicate DeSantis’s military background and his vision to reverse America’s decline, positioning him as the best candidate for the role of Commander-in-Chief.
Leading the Veterans for DeSantis National Leadership Team is Congressman Rich McCormick, a decorated U.S. Marine Corps and Navy veteran. McCormick, a former Navy commander, emphasized the importance of having a Commander-in-Chief who understands the sacrifices of service and puts the American people first.
DeSantis, who was motivated to join the military after the 9/11 attacks, volunteered for the Navy following his graduation from Harvard Law. He deployed as a JAG officer in Iraq and was awarded a Bronze Star for his service. Retired U.S. Navy captain Dan Bean, who served as DeSantis’s Commanding Officer, praised his selflessness and expressed his support for DeSantis to become the next Commander-in-Chief.
The coalition launch is part of DeSantis’s broader plan to restore the military to a “mission first” approach, removing what he perceives as excessive political correctness. It follows the successful launch of three other coalitions: Mamas for DeSantis, Law Enforcement for DeSantis, and DeSantis’s Faith and Family Coalition.
The announcement has garnered support from over a dozen veterans, many of whom have received commendations for their service. The coalition aims to highlight DeSantis’s track record of accomplishments and his unwavering commitment to conservative values.
Commenting on the launch, Florida State Senator Jay Collins, a retired U.S. Army sergeant, emphasized the need for a strong leader who understands the gravity of the responsibility to each service member and the nation as a whole. He applauded DeSantis’s readiness to fight for the country from day one due to his firsthand combat experience.
The launch of the Veterans for DeSantis Coalition underscores the importance of military service and leadership in the 2024 presidential race. As DeSantis continues to gain support, his campaign is positioning him as a candidate who can effectively address the challenges facing American families and communities.
Follow reporter Andrew Mark Miller on Twitter @andymarkmiller for the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content.
