I served alongside Pete Hegseth in Iraq, where I witnessed his leadership, courage, and steadfast love for our country firsthand. In a time when the stakes were high and courage meant everything, Pete stepped up — not for personal recognition, but for love of this country and his fellow soldiers.
This selflessness and determination are exactly what America needs at the helm of our defense operations. Pete is a proven leader, a patriot, and a decorated combat veteran whom I had the privilege to serve with. This uniquely qualifies him to lead the Department of Defense at a time when our nation faces unprecedented global challenges.
Pete’s military career is nothing short of remarkable. Pete served as part of the Guard Force at Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay. Then, when most sat home and watched the war from the comfort of their home, Pete volunteered to serve as an Infantry Rifle Platoon Leader in Iraq with the 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division during one of the deadliest years of the war in Iraq.
In Iraq, Pete navigated one of the most challenging combat environments in recent history. I saw him lead his troops with a steady hand, balancing tactical precision with care for those under his command. His ability to stay calm under fire, make critical decisions, and inspire his fellow soldiers was something to behold.
Few people truly understand the sacrifices made by those who serve in uniform, but Pete does — and he’s lived it.
What truly sets Pete apart is his progression from battlefield leader to influential advocate for our nation’s service members. After returning home, many veterans choose to step away from the military sphere, but Pete did the opposite. He turned his combat experience into action.
Pete spent his time at two of the most influential veterans’ organizations in America, fighting for meaningful reforms to military and veterans’ policies. He brought veterans’ voices to the forefront, ensuring those who sacrificed for our freedom were heard and valued. This blend of battlefield leadership and policy advocacy gives Pete a unique perspective on the needs of both the warfighter and the institution that supports them.
Our Department of Defense today is at a crossroads. Global turmoil, increasing threats, and political instability demand a leader who understands both the tactical and strategic complexities of modern military operations. Pete is a breath of fresh air who demonstrates the ability to operate in both spheres.
As a senior counterinsurgency instructor for U.S., NATO, and Afghan forces, Pete developed strategies to combat terrorism and train forces to stabilize conflict-ridden regions. He understands what works and what doesn’t on the ground, and he has the strategic insight to shape defense policy that prioritizes America’s interests.
In Pete Hegseth, America gets more than a bureaucrat; he is a proven warrior with the vision to meet today’s challenges head on. He knows firsthand the hardships our troops face in combat, and Pete knows what it takes to ensure they are properly equipped, supported, and valued.
Pete’s leadership style is hands-on, rooted in real-world combat experience. He doesn’t just talk about military readiness — he’s lived it, and he’s fought for it. Pete is completely devoted to those he served with, and especially to all the service members that are currently in harms way without question. He will always place their welfare first and foremost into any decision he will make as the secretary of defense.
America cannot afford to settle for the status quo. We need a secretary of defense who will put our national security above all else — someone with the courage to make tough decisions, the experience to navigate complex challenges, and the conviction to advocate for our troops. (RELATED: Exclusive: Emails, Phone Logs Reveal How Botched Pete Hegseth West Point Story Imploded)
Pete embodies those qualities. His deep love for this country, his leadership in combat, and his lifelong commitment to service make him the ideal candidate to lead our country’s national interests.
I’ve stood beside Pete Hegseth on the battlefield, and I can say without hesitation that there is no one better suited to lead our nation’s security. America deserves a leader who understands the price of freedom and is willing to do whatever it takes to protect it. Pete Hegseth is that leader.
Eric Geressy served with Pete Hegseth in Baghdad and Samarra, Iraq from 2005-2006
