Former Defense Secretary and retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis made a rare public appearance in a video calling on people in the Washington tri-cities area to “pull together” as the state deals with coronavirus.
The Tri-Cities tourism office, representing the cities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland, released the video featuring Mattis last Wednesday. Mattis, who is himself a Washington native, spoke on behalf of small businesses in the area and encouraged people to support those businesses where possible, along with offering words of support.
“We’re going to get through this coronavirus,” Mattis said. “We’re going to get through it by listening to our public health officials and let’s make sure we’re all supporting our businesses. They’re still open for business, even if it’s carryout from your favorite restaurant.”
Mattis continued, “Let’s all pull together, but stay apart while we pull together, and keep our businesses alive.”
Mattis made his comments in support of local restaurants as many restaurants around the country trended the term “Great American Takeout” last week on Twitter. The topic was used as a way to encourage customers to patronize restaurants with takeout orders even as many have closed dining in options.
Eat and Repeat. Today, let’s repost and encourage people to order takeout or delivery to help support their (or your) favorite restaurants. Snap a photo or video of your meal or what your customers are ordering and tag us along with the hashtag #greatamericantakeout pic.twitter.com/mGSFO0Kk9R
— US Foods (@USFoods) March 24, 2020
The term “Great American Takeout 2” was trending again on Twitter Tuesday with calls for a repeat of the previous week’s campaign.
The Great American Takeout Round 2 is today! What restaurant will you choose to support? Make sure to show them some love and tag your posts #thegreatamericantakeout2 #TheGreatAmericanTakeout pic.twitter.com/8SJ14w2fDw
— Bargreen Ellingson (@beinthekitchen) March 31, 2020
The retired Marine general has earned a reputation through his leadership style and had garnered the nickname “Chaos.” In July, Mattis published a book by referencing the nickname called “Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead,” which detailed his military career through conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the leadership lessons he learned along the way.
Mattis served as Defense Secretary under President Donald Trump but resigned from the position at the end of 2018 over a high-profile dispute with Trump over whether or not to begin withdrawing troops from Syria and Afghanistan. Since leaving his position under the Trump administration, Mattis has returned to Richland, Wash. and has made public appearances in the Tri-Cities area.
