Each of us have our roles, writes Cortez, yet being willing to stand in the breach against terror and bear witness to truth is the best mark of a leader.
Virginia’s Attorney General Jason Miyares and Sergeant Major Carlos Ruiz, the newest Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps basically changed jobs during recent events in Virginia and on the battlefield in the Middle East.
Known for their fearless service in combat and garrison advising senior officers, political presentations are not part of a Sergeant Major’s job description.
Virginia’s Attorneys General on the other hand, is known for political intervention heading the Commonwealth’s law firm. But the “top cop,” is not required to step on an enemy battlefield.
That changed recently when Ruiz, the Corps’ newest senior enlisted adviser, outclassed members of Congress addressing the troops at Quantico Marine Base while Virginia’s Attorney General Jason Miyares acted like an intrepid combatant on reconnaissance in Israel.
Due to Miyares’s Antisemitism Task Force and ongoing conversations regarding the U.S and Virginia’s large Jewish population, Miyares was one of a unique group of prosecutors invited by the Israeli Embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Nov. 14th thru 17th. As a result, Miyares witnessed situations up close at the Gaza Border while being briefed on the war with Hamas and the hostage situation.
At a Quantico ceremony Ruiz was present honoring the Corps 248th birthday, like leathernecks all over the globe on or about Nov. 10. He joined Marines in Dress Blue uniforms festooned with medallions and ribbons while General John A. Lejeune’s traditional birthday message was read.
A cake cutting ceremony utilizing a Marine sword followed with slices presented to the guest of honor, and the oldest and youngest Marine present.
Familiar with the protocol, I was taken aback with the benevolent outreach demonstrated by Marines under the command of Colonel Michael Brooks and his senior enlisted adviser Sergeant Major Collin Barry during ceremonies at Quantico’s Butler Stadium.
Ruiz, the guest of honor, demonstrated he also was not the stoic, hard hearted, reticent disciplinarian found within the Corps’ senior officers or enlisted during my time as a Marine.
He spoke moving words about compassion and duty stating, “Will you be there for your fellow Marines?”
On a battlefield 5,960 miles away, Virginia’s “General” Miyares “was” there for Virginia, witnessing first-hand what the enemies of the Jewish community did during the Oct. 7 attack viciously murdering 32 Americans with 10 still being kept hostage by Hamas.
Miyares fully cognizant that Hersh Goldberg-Polin — 23 years of age — formerly from Richmond Va. was wounded and part of hostages taken at the Supernova Sukkot Gathering music festival.
Miyares met with survivors and families of the kidnapped as the debilitating sound of bullets and bombs, echoed nearby along with some of the 7,400 rockets fired by Hamas. Government reports indicate the Iron Dome had intercepted and destroyed over 1,100 rockets, 550 misfired, but 400 falling directly on Israel since the war began. Yet visiting the attacked sites in Israel, seeing the carnage caused by Hamas terrorists, may change Miyares’s psyche for life.
How can it not change anyone witnessing the blood splattered walls and burned homes while seeing the actual footage of the October massacre on Hamas Go Pro cameras killing 1,200 while wounding over 5,000 as they raped, shot, stabbed and burned to death innocent civilians?
These are sadly the horrific images Marines like Ruiz witness as a combat Marine fighting in the Middle East.
Now Ruiz speaks like a sophisticated politician, promoting comradery and Esprit de Corps over oligarchy. Which is perhaps why Marines compared to other services meet and exceed recruiting and retention goals. After his tenure in the Corps, Ruiz with his impressive maverick presentation may have a serious future in politics.
Unknowingly, Miyares was emulating Ruiz’s bravery, standing in a combat zone susceptible to intense enemy fire.
Such qualities are prevalent in men and women of distinction such as Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears also a former Marine, Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, an intense veteran’s advocate, as is State Sen. Bryce Reeves, a former Army Ranger, and State Sen. Elect Tara Durant, the wife of a retired Marine combat veteran.
All have condemned Hamas while encouraging continued U.S. support in Israel.
The aforementioned individuals demonstrate a history of service for Virginia. One may become our next Governor, Lt. Gov., or member of Congress. Others are seeking similar status.
Following the heroic outreach of examples such as Miyares and Ruiz will help.
DANIEL P. CORTEZ of Stafford County is a presidential appointee, political writer and broadcaster who serves as the volunteer co-chairman of the Latinos for Youngkin Coalition.