Combat Veterans For Congress PAC Mission Statement

The Combat Veterans For Congress Committee is dedicated to supporting the election of fiscally conservative Combat Veterans to Congress.  We seek Combat Veterans For Congress who believe in limited government, will rein in the out of control spending of Congress, are committed to preserving and defending the US Constitution, and will support the independence and freedom of the individual as outlined in the Bill of Rights.  We support Combat Veterans For Congress who are dedicated to promoting The Free Enterprise System that created he greatest economic engine in the history of mankind, who will provide for a strong national defense, and who will endorse the teaching of US history and the Founding Fathers’ core values in educational institutions.

Combat Veterans For Congress-----Embedded Integrity

The Combat Veterans For Congress PAC is endorsing Col Gerry W. Leonard, Jr. USMC (Ret) as the 149th Combat Veteran For Congress in the past fourteen years; he is a 13th generation Rhode Islander, and a fiscally conservative candidate who will work to rein in the out-of-control spending by the radical Socialist Democrats in Congress.  He won the Republican Primary Election on September 5, 2023, and is running for Congress in the 1st Congressional District of Rhode Island.  Col Leonard, who resides in Jamestown, RI, completed a 30-year distinguished career in the US Marine Corps, serving on multiple overseas assignments, including 8 combat deployments.  Col Leonard is running for the open Congressional seat vacated by Socialist Democrat Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI-1), who resigned his seat during his seventh term.  A Special Election will be held on November 7, 2023, with early voting to begin on October 18, 2023.  All Republicans, Conservatives, Independents, Libertarians, and Blue Dog Patriotic Democrats supporting Col Leonard are encouraged to cast their “vote early,” beginning on October 18th, and are cautioned not to wait to vote until, November 7th, the day of the Special Election.

Col Leonard is running against Gabe Amo, a black American, formerly in RI Governor Gina Raimondo’s administration and he subsequently served in the Biden administration as Deputy Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.  Gabe Amo’s radical leftist policies inform Independents, Conservatives, Libertarians, Republicans, and Blue Dog Democrats, in the 1st Congressional District of Rhode Island, all they need to know about his Anti-Traditional American political philosophy.  Amo supports men competing with girls and women in female sports programs that allows men to have access and the use of women locker rooms and showers.  Amo supports the abortion of babies up to nine months, does not support protecting the lives of babies born alive, and does not mandate that doctors provide care for surviving babies of abortion.  Amo would not support the repealing of the Pistol Brace Ban, which is in violation of the 2nd Amendment.  Amo supports the funding of 87,000 armed newly hired IRS Agents who will threaten the average American taxpayer (he and his fellow Socialist Democrats should have instead supported the funding of 87,000 new Border Patrol Agents who are desperately needed on the “wide-open” southern border). 

Amo is against the drilling and recovery of crude oil on government land which would lower the price of gas at the pump for all Americans suffering from the worst inflation in 50 years.  The cost of gas at the pump has increased from $1.87/gal when Biden was elected, to the current increased price of over $6.00/gal in California and in other states.  Amo supports the Biden administration’s “wide-open” southern border policy in place allowing the entry of fentanyl, and other drugs (killing over 100,000 Americans annually), the entry of violent MS-13 gang members, entry of Radical Middle East Islamic Terrorists who have been murdering innocent women and children in Israel, human traffickers, and the entry of over 300,000 Illegal Aliens from 161 countries into the United States each month (they are entering without being checked for contagious disease or being injected to prevent the spread of the Wuhan Virus).  Amo believes in the out-of-controlled spending by the Socialist Democrats in Congress that has driven the National Debt to over $32 Tillion.  Amo believes parents should be prevented from having input in their children’s school curriculum and should be prevented from having any control over what their children are being taught in public schools.  Amo supports allowing Drag Queen Story Hour indoctrinations in Public Libraries by men dressed as women who are brainwashing preschool children. While America’s longtime ally, Israel, is at war with Hamas, Gabe Amo travelled to Boston to meet with Congresswoman Ayanne Presley, who with AOC and the rest of the “Squad” have been attacking Israel, and supporting the Palestinians. 

Col Leonard is a fiscally conservative candidate who will work to reduce the national debt, support economic growth, and will work toward unleashing the private sector to grow, create jobs, and stimulate private sector business investment.  He dedicated his life to protect and defend the U S Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, will protect the unalienable rights of Americans, their Freedom of Religion, and their Freedom of Speech.  Col Leonard will defend traditional Family Values and will provide “true” representation for the average American voter in Rhode Island and in the Republic.  He understands issues facing members of the US Armed Forces, will always support military personnel, and will ensure they are cared for while serving their country on active duty, as reservists, and in their retirement as Veterans.  He is an avid supporter of Law Enforcement.

Col Leonard strongly supports The Free Enterprise System, considers the Socialist Democrat Party’s agenda a threat to the founding principles of the Republic, and will work to stop the out-of-control spending by irresponsible Socialist Democrat members in the House who have fueled the worst inflation in 50 years.  His goal is to help put a stop to the to the war on American Energy, supports America to become Energy Independent once again, and to lower the cost of energy for families who are struggling to pay for the ever-increasing cost of gas at the pump and the cost of heating their homes in cold winters.  He also supports drilling once again for crude oil on US government land and in Anwar.  Col Leonard will support securing the wide-open southern border, to prevent the entry of drugs, MS-13 gang members, radical Islamic terrorists, human traffickers, and the over 300,000 Illegal Aliens from 161 countries who are entering the United States monthly, without being checked for contagious disease or being inoculated to prevent the spread of the Wuhan Virus.   

Gerry W. Leonard was born on March 9, 1965, in Newport, Rhode Island, and grew up in Jamestown, Narragansett, and North Kingstown, RI in a family of educators and Military Patriots.  Gerry was especially influenced in his early youth by his ancestors, uncles, and father who served in the US Armed Forces.  His ancestor, CPL Abrham Titcomb Sweatt, served in General Washington’s Revolution Army (1777-1780).  His Great, Great, Grandfather, PVT Joseph Sweatt, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor serving with the 6th Massachusetts during the Civil War (1861-1863).  His Great Uncle, CWO3 Lewellyn Webster, US Army Air Corps served in WWII in the European Theatre (1941-1945).  His Great Uncle, Lcdr Grant Essex, USN served in WWII in the Pacific Theatre (1941-1945) and in the Korean War (1950-1953); he was Killed In Action on Oct 27, 1953.  His Uncle, BMC Howard V. Leonard, USCGR served for 30 years (1953-1983).   His father, BM3 Gerry W. Leonard, Sr., USCGR served (1958-1967).  Gerry’s relatives set outstanding examples for him, and motivated him to followed in their footsteps to defend the Republic by serving in the US Marine Corps.  

Gerry attended North Kingstown High School, North Kingstown, RI.  At North Kingstown High, Gerry was Co-captain on the Varsity Basketball Team; was selected All-County.  He was on the Varsity Football Team; was selected All-County and the MVP during the Thanksgiving Game.  Gerry Leonard received the Standard Times’ Athlete of the Year Award in 1983.  Gerry graduated from North Kingstown High School, North Kingstown, RI on June 15, 1983.  Upon graduation, Gerry matriculated at Hartwick College in Oneota, New York, a private college founded in 1797, where he played basketball from 1983-1985. 

In June 1987, Gerry graduated, Cum Laude, from Hartwick College and was conferred with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics.  In June 2002, Maj Leonard, USMC graduated with Honors from the US Marine Corps Command and Staff College, US Marine Corps Base, Quantico, VA with a Master of Arts Degree in Military Studies.  In June 2003, Maj Leonard, USMC graduated from The School of Advanced War Fighting, US Marine Corps Base, Quantico, VA with a Master of Arts Degree in Operational Studies.  In June 2010, Lt Col Leonard, USMC graduated from the US Naval War College, Newport Naval Base, Newport, RI with a Master of Arts Degree in National Defense & Strategic Studies.

On April 15, 1989, Gerry W. Leonard was sworn into the US Marine Corps, at the US Marine Corps Officer Candidate Office in New York, NY.  In October 1989 he reported to the Officer Candidate School, Marine Corp Base, Quantico, VA.  In December 1989 he graduated from Officers Candidate School and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps.  Following completion of Officer Candidate School, in March 1990 2nd Lt Leonard reported to The Basic School (TBS) at the US Marine Corps Base, Quantico, VA and completed Basic Marine Corps Officer Training in August 1990.  Upon graduation he reported to the Infantry Officer Course in Quantico, VA for Operational Specialty training in the Infantry. 

Upon graduating from the Infantry Officers Course in November 1990, he reported in December 1990 as an Infantry Platoon Commander, Lima Company, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines at Camp Pendleton, CA.  On December 1, 1990, he deployed with the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Afloat) from Camp Pendelton in support of Operation DESRT SHIELD; he returned to Camp Pendelton on January 16, 1991.

On January 17, 1991, he deployed from Camp Pendleton with the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Afloat) in support of Operation DESERT STORM to Kuwait.  He was involved in combat operations ashore with Regimental Combat Team-5.   He served as an Infantry Platoon Commander, Lima Company, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines during combat operations in Kuwait.  He returned to Camp Pendleton March 7, 1991, was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, various Campaign and Service Medals, and Unit Awards.

On May 11, 1991, he deployed from Camp Pendelton with the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Afloat) in support of Operation SEA EAGLE, a Humanitarian Operation ashore, following a devastating typhoon the operation was executed by Battalion Landing Team 3/5.  He returned to Camp Pendleton on May 29, 1991.  In August 1991, he was transferred to the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion.  In October 1991, he reported for training in the Amphibious Reconnaissance Course, US Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado; he graduated December 1991; 2nd Lt Leonard promoted to First Lieutenant.

In February 1992, 1st Lt Leonard reported to US Army Airborne School, Fort Benning, GA; he completed training in March 1992, and was awarded with Parachutist Wings.  March 1992, 1st Lt Leonard reported to HRST School, Camp Pendelton, CA for a Basic Reconnaissance Course training.  In July 1992,

1st Lt Leonard reported to the US Navy Diving School at Camp Pendelton, CA, and completed training in August 1992. 

December 31, 1992, 1st Lt Leonard deployed from Camp Pendelton as a Platoon Commander with the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion supporting Operation RESTORE HOPE during combat operations in Mogadishu, Somalia.  March 22, 1993, he returned to Camp Pendleton.  He was awarded with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with Combat “V”), a Gold Star in lieu of a second Combat Action Ribbon, various Campaign and Service Medals.

In August 1994, 1st Lt Leonard was promoted to Captain, and transferred to instructor duty at The Basic School, US Marine Corps Base, Quantico, VA.  In July 1997, Cpt Leonard received orders to report to the Amphibious Warfare School, Quantico, VA for training and completed training in June 1998.  Cpt Leonard received order to report to US Marine Corps Base, Okinawa, Japan as the Rifle Company Commander, for Fox Company, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines. 

On December 16, 1998, Cpt Leonard deployed from Okinawa with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in support for Operation SUDDEN STORM and Operation DESERT FOX to Kuwait.  On December 19, 1998, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit returned to Okinawa.

On December 19, 1998, Cpt Leonard deployed from Okinawa with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in support for Operation ANVIL II to Kuwait.  Expeditionary Unit conducted operations in combat zone with Battalion Landing Team 2/4.   Cpt Leonard served as Rifle Company Commander, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for leading Fox Rifle Company during operations in the Combat Zone.  On December 25, 1998, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit returned to Okinawa.

On December 26, 1998, Cpt Leonard deployed from Okinawa with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in support for Operation SOUTHERN WATCH in Africa.  On February 24, 1999, Cpt Leonard returned to Okinawa, Japan; in May 1999, Cpt Leonard was promoted to Major.  On July 2001, Maj Leonard was ordered to report to the Marine Corps Command & Staff College at US Marine Corps Base, Quantico, VA to matriculate in the Military Studies Curriculum; he was awarded a Master of Arts Degree in Military Studies on June 2003.

Maj Leonard reported for duty as Strategic Plans Officer in the J5 Directorate at US Central Command at McDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Fl.  On November 18, 2003, Central Command staff personnel were forward deployed from Tampa, Fl, to Qatar in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.  Maj Leonard reported with Central Command staff to Baghdad, Iraq in support of combat operations as the Strategic Plans Officer.  On March 18, 2004.  following combat operations, Maj Leonard and Central Command forward deployed staff returned to McDill Air Force Base.  For meritorious service in the combat zone, Maj Leonard was awarded the Joint Services Commendation Medal, various Campaign and Service Medals.

On June 13, 2004, Maj Leonard was forward deployed from Camp Lejeune, NC, to Fallujah, Iraq, combat zone in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM as the Strategic Plans Officer, for the II Marine Expeditionary Force; he performed a reconnaissance survey of the combat zone.  On Jume 23, 2004, Maj Leonard returned to Camp Lejeune, NC.

On March 9, 2005, Maj Leonard deployed from Camp Lejeune, NC as the Strategic Plans Officer to the Fallujah and Ramadi, Iraq combat zones, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM with the II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) and the 2nd Marine Division.  Maj Leonard was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in August 2005.  On February 20, 2006, Lt Col Leonard returned to Camp Lejeune, NC.  For meritorious service in the combat zone,

Lt Col Leonard was awarded with the Bronze Star Medal, various Campaign and Service Medals.

On June 2006, Lt Col Leonard was transferred to take command of the First Battalion, 23rd Marines Regiment, 4th Marine Division in Houston, TX.  In July 2008, Lt Col Leonard received orders to report and matriculate at the US Naval War College on the US Naval Base in Newport, RI.   In June 2010,

Lt Col Leonard, USMC graduated from the US Naval War College, with a Master of Arts Degree in National Defense & Strategic Studies.

On July 29, 2010, Lt Col Leonard deployed from McDill Air Force Base, Tampa, FL to Kabul, Afghanistan in support for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM as Chief Plans Officer, NATO International Security Assistance Force, under the command of General David Petraeus.  On August 1, 2011, Lt Col Leonard returned to McDill Air Force Base, FL, and was promoted to Colonel.  For meritorious service in the combat zone, Col Leonard was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a second Bronze Star Medal, various Campaign and Service Medals.

From August 2011 to July 2012, Col Leonard was assigned to a CNO Strategic Studies Group at the Naval War College in Newport.  He was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division, from August 2012 to June 2013.  From July 2013 to August 2015, Col Leonard commanded the Weapons & Field Training Battalion, Parris Island, SC.  From August 2015 to May 2019, Col Leonard was assigned to the Marine Forces Reserve in New Orleans, LA.

On May 31, 2019, Col Gerry W. Leonard, Jr., USMC completed his assignments in the US Marine Corps and was Honorably Discharged.  Col Leonard ‘s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit (Gold Star in lieu of Second Award), Bronze Star Medal (Gold Star in lieu of Second Award), Meritorious Service Medal (Gold Star in lieu of Second Award), Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Gold Star in lieu of Second Award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (Somalia), Combat Action Ribbon (Kuwait), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (Bronze Star in lieu of Second Award), Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon (Two Bronze Stars in lieu of Third Award), Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon (Bronze Star in lieu of Second Award), NATO Medal (ISAF Afghanistan), Parachutist Wings, Combat Diver Device, various Campaign and Service Medals.

In May 2020, Gerry Leonard joined Rhode Island based Bentley Corporation of Warwick, RI as the Director of Federal Operations for Bentley Builders to help them to develop and grow their federal construction portfolio.  On March 2023, he stepped down to run for the US Congress to protect and defend the US Constitution and to fight for all Rhode Islanders in Washington, DC.

Col Leonard has been endorsed by Congressman Jack Bergman, Lt Gen-USMCR (R-MI-1), Cong Barry M. Goldwater, Jr. (R-AZ) (Ret), Cong Robert Simmons, Col-USAR/CIA (R-CT) (Ret), Cong Paul Broun, Cdr-USNR (MC) (R-GA) (Ret),  Cong Kerry Bentivolio, SFC/MI-ANG (R-MI) (Ret), RI State Sen Jessica De La Cruz (Smithfield), RI State Rep Michael Chippendale (Gloucester), Combat Veterans For Congress PAC, The Guardian Fund (DC), Rhode Island Republican Party, National Association of Home Builders (DC), and League of Rhode Island Businesses.

Col Leonard is a member of the following organizations: the NRA, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, The Navy League of the US, the US Naval War College Alumni Association, Hartwick Alumni Association, Officers Association, and Reynolds Family Association.  Col Leonard is the proud father of his four adult children Jessica (31), Samnatha (29), Rex (27), and Jamie (26), and they are members of the First Baptist Church in East Greenwich, RI.

The Combat Veterans For Congress PAC is pleased to endorse Col Gerry W. Leonard, Jr., USMC (Ret) who will bring to the US House his experience in the private sector, his military skills, and common sense to better solve problems in government and represent the State of Rhode Island and the Republic.  If you review Col Leonard’s positions on his website, you would be pleased with his policy positions; they agree with the Combat Veterans For Congress Mission Statement.  We look forward to working with Col Leonard and are pleased that a Combat Veteran of his caliber is running for Congress. 

If you have friends, associates, or relatives who know voters in Rhode Island, kindly pass this E-mail on to them, and ask them to support Col Leonard by working on his campaign, providing financial support for his campaign in any amount, and/or by networking with others who would be willing to support his campaign.  The military is one of the few remaining institutions producing the caliber of men and women needed to restore this nation to the greatness our Founding Fathers envisioned.  We have endorsed another Combat Veteran For Congress that General George Washington would have approved of.  He is a Combat Veteran who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America” for an amount “up to and including his life.”

Respectfully,

Joseph R. John, USNA ‘62

Capt          USN(Ret)/Former FBI

Co-Founder and Chairman, Combat Veterans For Congress PAC

Reagan Administration Alumnus/Designated Reagan Associate By The Reagan Presidential Library

http://www.CombatVeteransForCongress.org   

“The US Constitution is a limitation on the government, not on private individuals…it does not prescribe the conduct of private individuals, only the conduct of the government…it is not a charter for Government power, but a charter of the citizen’s protection against government.”

                                                           ---philosopher and novelist Ayn Rand (1905-1982)