By W. Thomas Smith, Jr.

Rarely do I publicly endorse candidates for political office, though I have often expressed disdain for political candidates and elected officials (please don’t get me started on that nest of usurpers on Capitol Hill). But there are in fact times when the integrity of a candidate seems so unshakeable, that I cannot help but rally around his or her campaign.

Case in point, U.S. Army Res. Lt. Col. Bill Connor, who is running for lieutenant governor of South Carolina.

I won’t get into the myriad particulars of why I’m backing Bill [you can read why here], but I believe the primary reason may best be gleaned from an email exchange this weekend between retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul E. Vallely, one of the nation’s leading military analysts, and Bill, especially Bill’s response when he says, “‘Mission First, Men Always’ and ‘Leaders Eat Last.’”

Those words reflect the fundamental underpinnings of military leadership – actually, any kind of leadership – I’ve been preaching for most of my adult life. And to hear a political candidate actually say it is heartening in the current political environment, because such expressions are never made insincerely.

Soldiers understand this, which is why Gen. Vallely, who lives in Montana, is endorsing a Palmetto State candidate. It’s also why Bill has already received endorsements from 12 general-officers, most from S.C., scores of field-grade, company grade, and junior officers, sergeants major, and staff-NCOs and NCOs all the way down to corporal, three of the state’s five living Medal of Honor recipients, and we’re just talking about his military supporters.

At any rate, following is Gen. Vallely’s email to Bill, followed by Bill’s reply.

“Dear Bill:

“Today, I am pleased and proud to announce my early endorsement of your candidacy for Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina. After reviewing your background and your position statements on the critically important issues facing our nation, I have no doubt that you understand the national security and domestic issues facing our great nation and, particularly, the people of South Carolina.

“I trust that you will bring the necessary leadership that we vitally need. We are in dire need of principled public servants who will put loyalty to the Constitution and the principles that guarantee our freedom ahead of party affiliation, money and special interests. I believe you will keep that oath as Lieutenant Governor.

“I commend you for your service and commitment to our Armed Forces and veterans to improve conditions at VA hospitals in the S.C. area. Private citizens such as yourself, who go the extra mile for our veterans, understand that we have a solemn obligation to ensure that our veterans receive the best medical attention and care that our nation can provide as a small debt of our gratitude for the sacrifices they have made on our behalf; and for your efforts in this regard, I thank you.

“We wish you Godspeed in your campaign. I will be encouraging others to support your candidacy in the forthcoming election. You may communicate my endorsement to the voters of South Carolina as you see fit.

“Paul E. Vallely
“Maj. Gen., U.S. Army, Ret.”

——–

“Gen. Vallely,

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your endorsement and words of support/encouragement. I have followed you for some time and greatly respect your analysis on FOX News and conservative commentary defending principles we hold dear.

“As the son, grandson, and great-grandson of career Army officers, I have been an infantry officer for 20 years (since graduating from The Citadel). I will bring the leadership principles we have learned in places like Ranger School, the Middle East, Korea, Afghanistan, Vietnam (in your background and my father’s experience): ‘Mission First, Men Always’ and ‘Leaders Eat Last.’ Thank you so much for understanding and helping me in this calling.

“I promise you I will fight for veterans in this state.  South Carolina has the highest number of veterans, per capita, and yet has a long way to go in taking care of them. I will. And I will not let you down. Thank you again.

“Sola Fide,
“Bill”

——–

Bill’s “Sola Fide” means faith alone, and as I said in my own endorsement on Feb. 23, “The great Swedish warrior king Gustavus Adolphus once said, ‘A good Christian will never make a bad soldier.’”

— Visit W. Thomas Smith Jr. at uswriter.com.