JD Vance (Cpl. James D. Hamel), U.S. Marine Corps (2003-2007)

JD Vance, best known for his bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy and his role as a U.S. Senator from Ohio, has a lesser-known but significant chapter in his life: his service in the United States Marine Corps. This period was a pivotal time for Vance, providing him with discipline and a profound sense of purpose that shaped his future endeavors.

JD Vance’s Early Life: From Middletown to the Marines

James David Vance was born on August 2, 1984, in Middletown, Ohio, a town struggling with the decline of the American manufacturing industry. His early life was marked by significant challenges, including his parents’ divorce and his mother’s battles with drug and alcohol addiction. Eventually, his mother changed his middle name to David, and he took on his mother’s maiden name, Vance, as his surname. 

Vance grew up primarily under the care of his maternal grandparents, who had moved to Middletown from eastern Kentucky’s Appalachian region. His family was part of the many in Middletown with Appalachian roots.

Growing up in this tumultuous environment, Vance drew inspiration from his grandmother’s unwavering support. Determined to seek a better future, he made a pivotal decision in 2003. Shortly after graduating from Middletown High School, Vance enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. The decision to join the military was driven by a desire for discipline and a better future.

JD Vance Enlists in the U.S. Marine Corps

Vance’s journey in the Marine Corps began with basic training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California.

After completing basic training, Vance was assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing as a Public Affairs Specialist. Vance was responsible for crafting and disseminating information about military operations and engaging with the media.

One of the most significant experiences during Vance’s military service was his deployment to Iraq during the Iraq War. During his deployment, Vance witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by service members in a combat environment.

From Boots to Books: JD Vance’s Journey from the Marine Corps to Yale Law

Leaving the Marine Corps in 2007, Vance had to navigate the complexities of adapting to a new phase in his life.

He enrolled at Ohio State University, where he excelled academically and earned a degree in Political Science and Philosophy in 2009. Following his undergraduate studies, Vance pursued a law degree at Yale Law School, one of the most prestigious institutions in the country. At Yale, Vance studied under the mentorship of Professor Amy Chua, whose guidance was instrumental in helping him navigate the complexities of legal education.

After earning his law degree in 2013, Vance worked for the multinational law firm Sidley Austin LLP and for investment firms in California and elsewhere.

JD Vance: Hillbilly Elegy and the Struggles of Working-Class America

JD Vance’s memoir, Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis, published in 2016, brought him national attention and acclaim.

In Hillbilly Elegy, Vance paints a bleak picture of life in Middletown, Ohio, and Jackson, Kentucky, describing an environment where poverty was a “family tradition” for many people. He relates that substance use problems and domestic violence were commonplace and that hopes for a better economic future were in short supply. Alongside Vance’s harsh descriptions of his childhood, however, are striking memories of his grandmother, “Mamaw,” to whom he pays special tribute for providing the stability he needed at home and for encouraging him to rise above difficult circumstances.

Many reviewers of Hillbilly Elegy praised Vance for providing insight into the lives of this group of Americans, with some contending that the poverty and discontent Vance described explained why working-class whites supported a political outsider like Trump in the 2016 election.

JD Vance’s Political Career

In 2016, JD Vance returned to Ohio from California and founded Our Ohio Renewal, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping disadvantaged children and addressing critical issues like drug addiction and the opioid epidemic. Despite its admirable goals, the organization eventually closed. During this period, Vance also launched an investment firm in Cincinnati.

Frequently mentioned as a potential political candidate, Vance contemplated running for the U.S. Senate in 2018 but decided against it, citing unsuitable timing for his family. However, in early 2021, when Republican Senator Rob Portman announced he would not seek reelection in 2022, Vance seized the opportunity and declared his candidacy.

From Trump Critic to U.S. Senator: JD Vance’s Political Transformation

During the 2016 election, JD Vance was an outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In an interview with National Public Radio, he bluntly stated, “I cannot stomach Trump,” expressing concern that Trump was “leading the white working class to a very dark place.” He even suggested he might vote for a third-party candidate. However, when Vance entered the Senate race in 2021, he apologized for his previous remarks about Trump.

With Trump’s endorsement, Vance won the crowded Republican primary in May 2022 and subsequently defeated Democratic U.S. Representative Tim Ryan in the November general election. He was sworn in as a U.S. Senator from Ohio on January 3, 2023.

Vance’s tenure has been marked by several conflicts with fellow Republicans, including Senators Mitt Romney and Mitch McConnell, particularly over U.S. aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

Trump Taps Ohio Sen. JD Vance as His 2024 Running Mate

In July 2024, former President Donald Trump selected Senator JD Vance of Ohio as his vice-presidential candidate for the upcoming election. Announced on his Truth Social network during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Trump expressed confidence in Vance’s ability to serve the nation.

Trump highlighted Vance’s dedication to American workers, emphasizing his efforts to support farmers and laborers in key Midwestern states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Minnesota. These states are expected to play a pivotal role in the November 2024 election.

As a senator, Vance has demonstrated a willingness to work across party lines. He has collaborated with Ohio’s senior senator, Democrat Sherrod Brown, on critical issues, including securing funding for Intel’s $20 billion chip facility in central Ohio and introducing rail safety legislation following the East Palestine derailment.

JD Vance: A Veteran’s Perspective on the National Stage

Former President Trump’s choice of JD Vance as his vice-presidential candidate brought a Global War on Terror veteran onto a major-party ticket for the first time. This decision sparked both praise and controversy.

Allison Jaslow, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, applauded Vance’s nomination: “The concept of war or what it means to protect our nation is often abstract. Having a veteran in an elected position would ensure that the sacrifices made by service members are not forgotten and that their perspectives are considered in policy decisions.”

Elliot Ackerman, a former Marine Corps special operations team leader and bestselling author, expressed support for Vance’s candidacy: “It’s commendable to have a veteran at such a high level, regardless of differing political views. This representation is beneficial for democracy, ensuring that those who have served are included in national decision-making.”

However, Vance’s alignment with Trump has been a point of contention. Initially a critic of Trump, Vance later reversed his stance, supporting Trump’s presidency and policies. This shift has drawn criticism from some veterans, including Joe Plenzler, a retired Marine Corps officer, who questioned Vance’s consistency and moral integrity: “Though we share a Marine background and come from Ohio, I cannot support him. His abrupt changes in political allegiance make me question his consistency and moral integrity.”

Retired Marine Corps officer Scott Cooper added to the critique, focusing on Vance’s foreign policy stance. Cooper argued that Vance’s “America First” approach could dismantle a global system of alliances and responsibility built over decades. “Vance’s approach would abdicate our role on the world stage and dismantle alliances forged by previous generations,” Cooper said.

A former Marine Corps fighter pilot and Democratic candidate also voiced concerns. She criticized Vance for perpetuating unfounded claims about the 2020 election: “Veterans come from diverse political backgrounds, but the fundamental issue is upholding democratic values. Vance’s actions, including his promotion of election falsehoods, undermine the principles we fought to protect.”

Public Opinion and Polling Insights

Public reaction to Vance’s nomination has been mixed. An Ipsos poll conducted on July 30, 2024, found that 47% of Americans believe veterans are well-suited for elected office. Additionally, 76% of respondents expressed confidence in veterans’ decision-making abilities. Conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt suggested that Trump’s selection of Vance was a strategic move to regain veteran support, noting a divide in veteran preferences during the 2020 campaign.

JD Vance’s journey from Marine Corps veteran to vice-presidential candidate showcases the complex interplay between military service and political ambition. As he steps onto the national stage, his unique perspective as a veteran will undoubtedly influence the discourse and decisions in the upcoming election. Whether praised or criticized, Vance’s candidacy highlights the enduring impact of military experience on American politics.

Learn About Other Famous Veterans On The TogetherWeServed.com Blog

If you enjoyed reading about JD Vance’s military service, we encourage you to browse the stories of other celebrities who served on our blog. You will also find military book reviews, veterans’ service reflections, famous military units and more on the TogetherWeServed.com blog.  If you are a veteran, find your military buddies, view historic boot camp photos, build a printable military service plaque, and more on TogetherWeServed.com today.

Tags: 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Celebrities Who Served, Global War on Terror, JD Vance, military book reviews, Senators Mitt Romney, U.S. Senator from Ohio, United States Marine Corps, veterans’ service reflections