Mattis Serves Among Troops on Christmas, Living Out Motto of 'Semper Fi'

Zachary Petrizzo | December 26, 2018 12:45 PM

The outgoing Secretary of Defense, James Mattis spent Christmas day the only way in which he knows how - working.

The highly praised Secretary of Defense has a reputation for being tough as a box of hardened nails. Yet, a quality frequently overlooked is a compassionate side to nicknamed Secretary of Defense, "Mad Dog Mattis." He has been known to work on Christmas to allow for his troops the opportunity to celebrate the holidays with their families and loved ones.

Defense Secretary James Mattis is in his third floor Pentagon office on Christmas Day working.
— Barbara Starr (@barbarastarrcnn) December 25, 2018

With only 6 days left on the job, Mattis was reportedly seen yesterday in his office on the third floor of the Pentagon.

Per @barbarastarrcnn, Defense Secretary James Mattis, who will be out of his job in 6 days, is in his Pentagon office Christmas Day, according to a Defense official.
— Abby D. Phillip (@abbydphillip) December 25, 2018

On the night of Christmas Eve, Secretary Mattis sent an official letter to all American service members.

#SecDef Mattis’s Holiday Letter to the Troops pic.twitter.com/xiwcpMpC4q
— U.S. Dept of Defense (@DeptofDefense) December 25, 2018

As previously reported by Julio here at Townhall, Mattis sent his Christmas wishes to service men and women serving around the globe.

“Since Washington crossed the Delaware at Christmas 1776, American troops have missed holidays at home to defend our experiment and democracy. To all you lads and lasses holding the line in 2018 on land, at sea, or in the air, thanks for keeping the faith. Merry Christmas and may God hold you safe.”
The video is Mattis’ final holiday message to the troops as Defense Secretary.