Josh Mandel: From The House of Representatives to Iraq
I’ve met a lot of Marine Reservists over the years, guys who leave their day jobs behind to serve their country in Iraq or Afghanistan or wherever duty calls. Some were police officers or prison guards, college students or box store workers … one guy designed costumes for exotic dancers in Las Vegas.
Then there’s Josh Mandel.
I met him in Haditha last December during a whirlwind tour of bases across the Anbar Province, from al Qaim to al Asad. Josh looked about 15 but was closer to 30, bright and polite but motivated enough to come into the room where we’d gathered our equipment to introduce himself and thank us for telling the Marine’s stories.
I found out HIS story after a bit of prodding. He joined the Marines before 9/11, following in the footsteps of his grandfather who’d served during World War II. He was on his second tour of Iraq, taking a leave of absence from his post as the youngest elected Republican in the Ohio House of Representatives. He showed us the shoes he wore out during his campaign back in 2006 when he knocked on more than 19,000 doors. They’re hanging on nails on his office wall.
Josh confessed his elected position after we’d promised not to tell the others in his company. He said he didn’t want special treatment. He just wanted to be one of the guys. We took him outside to the dusty back yard and did an interview, promising to hold the tape until he returned home.
Last month we sent a crew to New Orleans where families gathered at an airstrip to welcome the 3/23 home and then we traveled to Columbus to be with Josh when he set foot inside the Capitol Dome for the first time in 9 months. He received a hero’s welcome, with lots of back slaps and hugs and a standing ovation from his fellow lawmakers. It was a moving scene and I was really glad we were there to document it.
One of my biggest questions for Josh was how his constituents felt about their elected representative being absent from his job for so long. How could the needs of the people possibly be served with him gone? He unapologetically explained his first responsibility was to his country and he didn’t join the Marines to not answer when they called. He also left his very capable assistant Michael Lord and other staffers behind to handle complaints and requests and forward them to the appropriate people. Josh insists voters did NOT suffer and could benefit now from his improved leadership skills, experience and maturity.
Josh Mandel is proud of his service but won’t be re-enlisting in June. He says he’s going to focus on his job and his fiance while still acting as an ambassador for the Corps.
Rick Leventhal is a correspondent in the New York bureau, but has
covered stories in more than 30 states and 20 countries, from Aruba to
Afghanistan. He has also reported from the field for dozens of World
Series games! 
Thank you, Josh. You are obviously the best America has to offer. Your loyal service to the United States makes us all proud. If only every American could be as upstanding as you.
Thank you for your service in the Marines. I have the utmost respect for you, as most Americans do. You are an example for all the youth of this nation.
Now, if only all the other politicians would do the same thing!! Josh Mandel will be president!! It’s a proud day for Americans when the politicians put the country before themselves… This family is proud of you Rep. Mandel!!
How lucky are the people of his district to be represented by a person of such high character and sense of duty and a love of country that is willing to sacrifice for it? Bravo!
Well Done and Welcome Home! It’s always good to know we have eyes and ears in the government that know what we’ve been through as a Marine.
Great story, Thanks for telling it Rick! I’m know it is just one of 1,000’s of similar story’s from our military volunteer’s - that we owe an untold gratitude! Thanks!
This is what we need to hear about. WWII documentaries were always about how well we were doing and how courageous and strong our troops were in the face of battle. Modern media actually runs down our country, President, troops, congress, judges; you name it. If you haven’t got a solution then don’t bother bringing up the problem…a good anecdote.
Typical Republican, proud and patriotic. Doing the right thing for the people and his country. An inspiration to all of us. Thanks, Josh. Semper Fi.
Unfortunately, Mr. Mandel is in the minority in the House. During the early years of our country’s birth most of our representitives were or had been citizen warriors - if not in the Revolution, then in the French Indian, etc. Wars. I feel 1000% more comfortable with elected representitives who have served than those who have not. Which is not to say there aren’t horrible lawmakers who have served - like Murtha, and great ones who haven’t. It’s just that it is less likely someone who served in the Military is going into politics to get rich, than someone who didn’t. Who maybe went to law school as a means to an end.
Josh Mandel for President 2016! He might be 35 by then.
I don’t know about the “typical republican” comment, but I will say a stand up citizen of this country, I wish there were more like Josh at every level of politics. People who’s service isn’t long behind them and willing to get up and be there on the front lines of what they’ve voted for. (Although, in Josh’s case being a state rep, obviously he didn’t vote for the war.)
Thank you for your service and inspiration Josh!
Thank you Representative Mandel! Too bad all of our leaders do not have half of your intestinal fortitude.
Semper Fi,
A. Krick
Senators and Reps regardless of age should be part of a special lottery where they are embedded with the troops just like the journalist were. Do a 90 tour. I’d just about bet my last death row joint not only would they appreciate their unit for keeping them alive but see first hand the needs and effects of their votes.
Josh,
God Bless You and Keep You Safe!
Carry on!!
All the very best,
Bruce A. Boettger
Just a staight up thank you for accepting the responsibility of your duty to your country and then to be respective of your position while serving. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Owen B ,Merrill (sgt .u s marine korea)
Great story, great man. Hope to hear more about him in the future.
I think all politicians should serve a tour in Iraq. Then they would KNOW what should be done about the war. What better way to serve the people than to serve as a warrior? Way to go Josh! If I lived in Ohio, I would vote for you.
you have set a very fine example of what our country is suppose to be made of, keep up your good work and god bless you, and thanks for protecting us .
david millerman
vetran