Marine critic of Afghan withdrawal to lead rank-and-file enlistees in Senate visits promoting Hegseth
A Marine lieutenant colonel from Ohio who gained notoriety for publicly speaking out against the Afghanistan withdrawal is taking his activism to the next level. Stuart Scheller, who was previously imprisoned for his criticisms of military brass, is now leading rank-and-file service members in a door-to-door campaign in support of defense nominee Pete Hegseth.
Scheller, in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, revealed his plans to organize enlisted men and women to engage with senators on Capitol Hill next week. He emphasized that the service members participating in this campaign are not high-profile figures in think tanks or government positions.
“Pete has made public comments about moving towards a meritocracy and the need for more courage in the ranks,” Scheller stated. He added that while he believes some reprimands were necessary for his own actions, having Hegseth as the Secretary of Defense would have ensured accountability across the board.
Scheller highlighted the importance of transforming the U.S. military into a winning organization, pointing out that Hegseth has vowed to hold Pentagon leaders accountable for their shortcomings.
Hegseth, a combat veteran from the current generation, stands out as a nominee who is not from the traditional officer corps or defense contracting firms. Scheller praised Hegseth for his middle-management background and his efforts to connect with veterans while writing his book, which has prepared him to understand the current culture and frustrations within the military.
As Scheller and his fellow service members prepare to meet with senators, their focus is on those who may be undecided about supporting Hegseth. Scheller emphasized the importance of engaging with the right people rather than sheer quantity.
In a video announcing their mission, Scheller expressed his support for Hegseth as a combat veteran who is not beholden to the military-industrial complex. He stated, “I’m going to be in Washington, D.C., walking through the halls of the U.S. Senate, talking to all the U.S. senators, advocating for peace.”
This grassroots effort led by Scheller reflects a growing movement within the military to demand accountability and change within the Pentagon. By taking their message directly to lawmakers, these service members are making their voices heard in support of a nominee who represents a new direction for the defense department.
Charles Creitz is a reporter for Fox News Digital, covering media, politics, and culture. With a background in broadcast journalism from Temple University, Charles brings a unique perspective to his reporting on current events and issues shaping our world today.
