VoteVets Endorses Francis Conole For Congress

SYRACUSE, NY – The largest progressive group of veterans in America, VoteVets PAC, is endorsing Francis Conole for Congress from New York’s 24th Congressional District.

“Growing up in Syracuse, Francis Conole faced tough times, like when Carrier downsized and laid off his dad,” said Jon Soltz, Iraq War Veteran and Chairman of VoteVets PAC. “This inspired him to a life of service as a Senior Naval Officer, Iraq War Veteran, and Pentagon policy advisor. Right now, especially as we are facing one of the greatest challenges in our country in recent history, we need proven leaders like Francis in Washington who know how to overcome tough circumstances and deliver results that always puts people first. That’s why we are proud to endorse Francis Conole for Congress.”

After graduating from Westhill High School in Onondaga County, Francis received a nomination from Congressman James Walsh and was later accepted into the Naval Academy Class of 2001. He graduated from the Naval Academy three months before 9/11. Shortly after, Francis reported to the U.S.S. WASP where, at 23 years old, he led a division of almost 40 sailors and was tasked with maintaining the propulsion of a 40,000-ton ship. Francis would later serve on an Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer, where he trained the crew to navigate the ship and respond to damage.

Following his tours at sea, Francis served in the Office of Naval Intelligence, and volunteered in 2008 to serve on President Obama’s Armed Forces Inaugural Committee.

In 2010, Francis was re-activated and deployed with Army Special Forces into a combat zone in Iraq where he worked alongside Iraqi Forces and planned the safe withdrawal of U.S. Special Forces from Iraq.

After getting his graduate degree, Francis continued his service at the Pentagon as a policy advisor to Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Jim Mattis. He advised on U.S. Defense Policy for Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel drafting strategy that protected U.S. interests and strengthened our partnerships in the Middle East, which resulted in being awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.