Kevin Rader/Eyewitness News
Indianapolis - Lieutenant Colonel Ray Mejia of the Army Reserves 310th Expeditionary Support Command began his speech at a news conference earlier this week by saying, "Good morning. My name is Ray Mejia. I am a citizen soldier."
LTC Mejia endorsed SB 335 at the Statehouse and says he expected his support to be somewhat controversial. His prediction was correct.
LTC Mejia's parents legally immigrated to the United States in the 1960's. The lieutenant then used an active Army program in order to become a citizen in only three years.
When Mejia stood up to endorse State Senator Mike Delph's bill to punish employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants, he anticipated some disappointment among the immigrant community. What he didn't expect was that the real fuss would be about his choice of wardrobe at the press conference. LTC Mejia was wearing his military uniform and military policy prohibits personnel from participating in political activities while on duty or while wearing their uniforms.
"If there is a head to be had by the military, then I ask that it be mine," said State Senator Delph (R-Carmel). The senator is willing to take the fall for the offense because he happens to be Mejia's commanding officer.
LTC Mejia explained to those at the news conference why he chose to wear his uniform: "I wore this uniform to prove a point, but when I take this uniform off - who am I?"
Senator Delph said he and Meija did not mean to upset military officials. "I don't believe this was a political function. It was a media event to introduce a citizen soldier to the public and to share his experience of living the American dream through the military."
Meija and his commanding officer Delph are now under a military investigation. Delph claimed, "We are in this fox hole together. We are both under fire right now."
Senator Delph remains adamant that he has no regrets about the incident. In fact, he says LTC Mejia will come back again to testify before the House - but next time he will be wearing a business suit.
