EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — After the outcome of the 2016 election, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran DeMarcus Gilliard decided to get involved in politics.
He has worked on several local congressional campaigns, and this year he spoke about his oath of office at the Democratic National Convention.
“I know from the get-go, Joe Biden really embodies that oath. He understands it. He served a career in public service for a long time now and even had a son in the military, so we connect there,” Gilliard said. “When we talk about self-sacrifice and our core values in the Marine Corps — honor, courage, commitment — those things are all readily noticeable to me about President—Elect Joe Biden.”
Gilliard said he’s “thrilled” about the election of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States because he prioritizes the military.
“We’re not political pawns, we’re people. And when you prioritize people, great things are bound to happen. I know as a leader — I left the Marine Corps as a Captain — I put my people first. That is what’s most important about leadership,” Gilliard said.
Gilliard appreciates that President-Elect Joe Biden has plans to help veterans on his website.
“He’s going to be providing world-class health care; trying to eliminate homelessness within the veteran community, which is a huge problem unfortunately; bringing down the suicide rate; creating meaningful employment and education opportunities; and finally, improving the VA management and accountability. I think all those things are moving in the right direction,” Gilliard said. “And when you put the people who protect and defend this country first, the returns couldn’t be greater.”
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