Western Pennsylvania native Parnell appointed to defense post
President Donald Trump has appointed former Butler County resident and former U.S. Senate candidate Sean Parnell to a position in the Department of Defense.
Parnell, a military veteran, was appointed Monday, Feb. 3, to serve as the assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs and chief Pentagon spokesman.
“A great American patriot, Sean is a fearless combat veteran, who led one the most decorated units in the Afghanistan War. He earned two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart, while his platoon achieved an incredible record of eliminating over 350 enemy fighters. During my first term, Sean was also instrumental helping pass the Mission Act, the biggest VA reform in history,” Trump said on Truth Social.
In a post on X, Parnell thanked Trump and expressed gratitude to those he served with.
“I just wanted to say thank you to @POTUS. I am honored. I also want to extend by gratitude to @SecDef for this opportunity.
“I must emphasize that I am the leader I am today because of the incredible soldiers I served with in Afghanistan. Their bravery, dedication, courage and sacrifice have shaped me profoundly. I am alive today because of them.
“I accept this position with great humility, recognizing that we are all standing on the shoulders of giants — those warriors who came before us, who sacrificed so much on behalf of a grateful nation,” Parnell wrote.
He also thanked his wife, Melanie, and their five children for their support.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also congratulated Parnell.
“Huge congrats to @SeanParnellUSA — our troops could have no better spokesman. Sean is a fearless patriot and combat vet who exudes courageous leadership and selfless service. Can’t wait to welcome you to the Pentagon brother,” Hegseth wrote on X.
