Marine hearts swelled with pride as Vice President JD Vance, a former Marine, visited Quantico to deliver a powerful message about American military excellence. The Marines in attendance cheered enthusiastically as one of their own shared personal reflections and fired weapons alongside his fellow Devil Dogs.
At a glance:
• Vice President JD Vance visited Marine Corps Base Quantico on March 26, 2025, sharing his journey from “directionless kid” to Marine
• Vance emphasized the end of DEI policies and praised the Corps’ natural diversity from “every walk of life, every corner of America”
• The Vice President served lunch to Marines and participated in firing various weapons, including an M27, M107, and an inert Howitzer
• Marines expressed excitement about having a former Marine in the White House, with one calling it “super motivating”
• Recruitment numbers are reportedly improving with what Vance described as a “renewed sense of patriotism” among military youth
From Marine to Vice President: A Homecoming at Quantico
Vice President JD Vance made a triumphant return to his military roots during a visit to Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia on March 26. The 50th Vice President, who previously served as an active-duty combat correspondent in the Marines, received an enthusiastic welcome from the stationed personnel.
Vance arrived slightly late, explaining to the crowd that he had been meeting with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. “I was in the Oval Office talking to the President. I said, ‘Sir, I know we’re in the middle of something, but the Marines at Quantico are waiting for me’,” Vance told the assembled Marines.
The visit included a speech, lunch with the troops, and time at a shooting range where Vance handled various weapons. His presence at the base seemed to energize the Marines, many of whom expressed pride in having a former Marine now serving in one of the highest offices in the land.
A Return to Military Excellence and Traditional Values
During his address, Vance made it clear that under the Trump-Vance administration, the military would focus on its core mission. “No more quotas, no more ridiculous mumbo jumbo, no more diversity trainings. We believe the real strength and the real diversity in the United States Marine Corps is that you all come from every walk of life, every corner of America, and you have got the strength and the purpose to win the nation’s wars,” Vance declared to cheers from the audience.
The Vice President’s message resonated with many of the Marines in attendance, who saw his leadership as a return to the warrior ethos. Lance Cpl. Casey Bonestroo said, “He was a Marine just like the rest of us here. That’s super motivating for me because he’s been in our shoes in some way or another.”
Vance shared his personal journey with the Marines, describing how the Corps transformed him from a “directionless kid” into a disciplined serviceman. His story seemed to connect with the younger Marines who were selected to have lunch with him.
Hands-On Leadership and Rising Recruitment
The Vice President didn’t just talk to the Marines – he joined them in hands-on activities that showcased his continued connection to the Corps. Vance fired several weapons, including an M27, M107, M240B, an inert Howitzer, and even operated a drone.
In encouraging news for military readiness, Vance noted that recruitment numbers are improving across the armed forces. He attributed this trend to a “renewed sense of patriotism” among young Americans thanks to the current administration’s emphasis on national pride.
Marine Corps Base Quantico, known as a center for innovation and education within the Corps, houses 27 tenant commands that Vance toured during his visit. The base plays a crucial role in developing strategies for the future of warfare, making it an important stop for the Vice President who has emphasized military preparedness as a cornerstone of the administration’s defense policy.
