As a guest of the president at his recent White House ceremony honoring Hispanic Heritage, several national and local issues were brought into focus affecting our veterans’ vote.

Clearly faith and patriotism were on full display.

President Donald J. Trump several times publicly recognized former GOYA CEO Bob Unanue, a fellow commissioner serving on the President’s Advisory Commission on Hispanic Prosperity during his first administration for his patriotic actions and biblical actions.

Unanue has remained a staunch administration advocate whose family’s efforts built a food empire and fed the hungry around the world. His GOYA Cares initiative fighting human trafficking remains more than notable.

Trump embraced my direct suggestion to him publicly at the event that Unanue be presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Trump stated, “He deserves it.”

I hope it is presented soon.

Restoring Faith and Defending Service

President Trump also lauded White House Faith Director Jenny Sevilla Korn, the wife of a retired Marine for her faith and remarkable service.

Also singled out by the president were Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former Treasurer Jovita Carranza, Drug Czar Secretary Sarah Carter, Fox and Friends Rachel Campos Duffy; well-known media operative Mercedes Schlapp and Pastors Norma and Pasqual Urrabazo in front of over 400 of the nation’s most involved proud Americans of Hispanic descent.

Present also was Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Juan Pablo Segura, with the U.S. Department of State from Virginia, Comcast’s Jackie Puente and White House correspondent Bianca Gracia,

Trump’s focus on faith and love of country clearly appeals to the 20,000 veterans in my own Stafford community.

And if none of this concerns you as a voter perhaps examine the fact that the regulatory State Corporation Commission is examining Dominion Energy’s desire to increase our electric bill 7% to cover an amended Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) reinstituted by Governor Abigail Spanberger.

The many thousands more in the Fredericksburg region can appreciate how biblically in Romans 8:30, it is emphasized believers are more than conquerors, set against the point that in various hardship faith provides triumph in adversity.

True warriors know that and how the Department of Defense Chaplain Corps, should be the spiritual and moral backbone of our nation’s military services created by George Washington and authorized by the congress in 1775.

Regrettably wokeness infiltrating the pulpit called for some amazing discussions relating to actions being taken by Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth and his recent DOD directive advancing spiritual readiness and religious freedom.

Hegseth examining the Army’s spiritual guide, found in over 100 pages it only mentioned “God” one time, however it mentions feelings 11 times, and playfulness nine times.

George Washington alone in his personal and public writings used the word “God” 146 times.

Washington stated in a General Order in July 9th 1776, “The blessings and protection of heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger…”

As a combat Marine, I never met an atheist during a firefight in Vietnam and thanking God for survival and praying for our fallen, was a normal part of our after battle ritual.

In view of such facts Hegseth acted with his usual no nonsense fashion.

He stated, “In short, its unacceptable and unserious. So we’re tossing it.”

Defending Religious Freedom

As the head of a Marriage Ministry for over 30 years, I proudly have joined hundreds of veteran families in the past due to pastors and priests refusing to join veterans in prayer unless they became members of their church and in some cases pay large fees for religious instruction.

Under the responsible actions of soon to be permanent Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, the Navy and Marine Corps Team as well as that of the Air Force are acting to reconstitute their religious mandates clearly with prayer and resolve.

Ultimately credit must be given to folks like Hegseth, and Cao for bringing back a warrior ethos with prayer largely compromised by previous administrations.

While Hispanics celebrated with the President, Hegseth was meeting with non-commissioned officers, and captains who we Marines call the backbone of the Corps, to announce six major strategic initiatives governing the Department of War in an effort to establish strategic priorities and standards to reform the armed forces.

In actions that “will” save lives he announced of the development of Autonomous Warfare Command or (AutoWarCom), as our military expands our drone and robotic capabilities.

Will Veterans Back Trump in November?

Virginia veterans make up 10 percent of the population or approximately 655,000 with Hispanics totaling about 18 percent of the active-duty forces.

With the knowledge approximately 300,000 active-duty veterans failed to register to vote last cycle, Hegseth also released a video encouraging all military forces and their families to register and vote.

Such actions indeed positively affect veterans and their families with Veteran’s Day a month away and recent tribute and readiness actions by the President.

Local veterans such as former Army Ranger, State Senator Bryce Reeves, and retired Marine Joe Feliciano support the President and take particular pride in his efforts constructing a 250 foot “Triumphal Arch” near Arlington Cemetery.

“We can never build enough monuments to honor those who have worn the uniform. It will be more than therapeutic and help maintain pride.” Reeves stated.

Feliciano who saw combat in the Middle East with the Marine Corps takes issue with the few former military “malcontents” protesting the arch for political reasons.

“The vast majority of veterans particularly those who have actually been in combat know of the tactical need for the monument which will have a drone and sniper capability and no one has a better eye for design than President Trump.” he added.

Reeves and Feliciano are spot on. There are always military political naysayers who lack the intestinal fortitude to support needed defensive actions.

Stafford County: Cancelling Veterans Day?

With such a positive administrative focus on our veteran community, it was also a shocking disclosure discussed during the White House reception that the Stafford School Board could see as an option the elimination of Veterans Day from their school holiday calendar.

For the record, there remain several calendars under consideration which will be presented at the October 13th work session and School Board meeting to review and discuss before any decision is made according to Dr. Amanda Schutz, Chief of Staff, of Stafford’s schools.

Certainly, direct parental involvement must be the key as irresponsible action may initiate the demand by vocal veterans for recall elections.

Stafford Hartwood Supervisor Darrell English remained adamant about preserving the holiday for veteran families and keeping it within the present holiday structure,

He said, “It would remain a slap in the face to not only the veteran but their entire family and detrimental to the true appreciation of what Veterans Day is all about.”

Schutz stated their actions was not based on an intent to remove Veterans Day in order to create a holiday for a particular religious group. Yet to be frank, there remain considerable conversations by concerned parents regarding this.

Hispanic History, Honor, and Future

Yes, positives and negatives being discussed as we come to a close of Hispanic Heritage month. I say focus on the positives of prayer and patriotism and vote for those who embrace our federal holidays and history warts and all. Denounce those who tear down our historical monuments and support the pride and patriotism of our “Triumphal Arch” not just for Hispanics but for all.

DANIEL P. CORTEZ is a presidential and gubernatorial appointee, political writer and broadcaster who lives in Stafford County.