Marine from Iconic 'Chess' Recruiting Ad Now Serves in Congress

In a time before he held the title of Rep. Rich McCormick of Georgia, he was a determined young lieutenant, chosen to embody the Marine Corps in one of its most memorable recruiting commercials: “Chess.”

In the early 1990s, during his training at The Basic School in Quantico, McCormick stood out among hundreds of fellow lieutenants, selected for his unwavering gaze and proficiency in Sword Manual procedures. Once a college drill team commander, McCormick's commanding presence positioned him as the ideal choice for a captivating commercial that sparked the imagination of viewers nationwide.

The “Chess” ad stands out for its grand atmosphere and imaginative imagery—giant chess pieces clashing, booming music, and a white knight electrified into a Marine in Dress Blues. While a stuntman portrayed the knight and suffered an ankle injury during the shoot, McCormick took center stage for the climactic scene, wielding the sword with a mastery honed from his drill training, showcasing an impressive level of precision on screen.

“It was a moment filled with immense pride,” McCormick shared with Task & Purpose. “Nothing compares to the deep sense of honor that comes from embodying something you cherish profoundly.”

The concluding scene of the commercial, set in the very warehouse that hosted the epic showdown in Highlander, was captured from various perspectives to ensure that every precise motion was vividly portrayed. McCormick vividly recalls the flawless posture: “Heels aligned; gaze fixed straight ahead; shoulders squared; chest proudly out.”

Currently representing Georgia in Congress as a Republican, McCormick embodies the same discipline and dedication that distinguished him as an exceptional Marine. His remarkable journey—from Marine Corps commercials to the corridors of Capitol Hill—also featured a fleeting moment on American Gladiators, showcasing that his tale has consistently embraced the theatrical.

For a generation of Marines, he will forever be the warrior who transcended the game and entered the realm of legend.