Pete Hegseth, Twice Bronze Star Winning Combat Vet & Secretary of Defense

Pete Hegseth, Twice Bronze Star Winning Combat Vet & Secretary of Defense

With the recent nomination of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, there has been attacks launched against his qualifications. So who is Pete Hegseth?

Peter Hegseth is a decorated veteran and accomplished author, known for his unwavering dedication to America and its founding principles. With a career spanning military service, public policy, and journalism, Hegseth has become a prominent voice in advocating for patriotism, veteran issues, and conservative values.

Hegseth graduated from Princeton University in 2003 and answered the call to serve his country. Commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army National Guard, he deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, earning two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge. He also reached the rank of Major during his service. 

In order to earn a Bronze Star, one must distinguish themselves “by heroic or meritorious achievement or service;”

  • while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; 
  • while engaged in military operation involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or 
  • while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed forces in which the United States is not a belligerent 

In 2013, Hegseth graduated from Harvard with a masters in Public Policy. He then turned his focus to advocating for veterans. He became the executive director of Vets for Freedom, and championed policies to support troops in combat and veterans returning home. Later, he served as the CEO of Concerned Veterans for America, where he worked to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Hegseth eventually became a co-host on Fox News’ popular morning show Fox & Friends Weekend. This has become a point of contention for the left, claiming that he is unqualified for the position Trump has nominated him for - while totally ignoring the rest of his record and demeaning him to simply a “Fox News Host.”

Hegseth is also a bestselling author, with works such as “American Crusade” and “In the Arena”. His books articulate a vision for preserving America’s traditions and ideals in an era of rapid changes.