My journey into politics is not like anything you might expect.  I'm not from a political family and I am not one of the so called elite.  I'm just a regular guy who wants to make a difference.

 

I was raised by a single mother who taught me the value of faith and hard work in the face of adversity, and I was influenced heavily by my grandparents, who came stateside to make a better life for themselves.  I learned from an early age that service is above self.  I sat on my grandfather's lap and heard the stories of Okinawa, and I sat in awe of the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation.  My grandfather enlisted in the Navy months shortly after Pearl Harbor, and it was this service that inspired me to enlist in the Army when I graduated from high school.

 

I wanted to serve since I was 5 years old.  Months after I enlisted, I boarded a transport plane for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  While my friends were adjusting to dorm life, I was writing my will and making sure my rifle and gas mask worked.  I served with some great Americans, and that service and sacrifice shaped me.  I saw what was great about America when I looked into the eyes of the other 19 year-olds around me. 

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I am a leader.  I witnessed firsthand that the world is a dangerous place; I also know that we are a great Nation, with great people.  I have served with some of the finest men and women in the world.   As a Naval Officer,  I specialized in Human Intelligence collection and became a subject matter expert in human intelligence collection operations, interviews and interrogations, geopolitical matters, and transnational organized crime operations and I hold the Information Dominance Warfare Qualification.

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After leaving active service, I began my career with the Orange County, FL Sheriff's Office. Specializing in complex criminal investigations, I served in the Homicide, Sex Crimes, Violent Crimes, and Property Units. I also taught at the police academy and served as a Field Training Officer and Tactical Firearms Instructor.

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I have an Associate’s Degree in Law Enforcement, a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, and an MBA. My professional awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (2), Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal (2) and the Good Conduct Medal.

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Over the years, my wife and I have worked on raising 7 kids (we’re still at it).  Two of my kids have gone on to serve in the military and law enforcement. I serve in my local church.  I run a successful real estate business.  I have won 3 State Championships as a high school football coach.  I'm not perfect, but I love to serve.

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I know the value of hard work.  I have lived it.  I am respected by the brave men and women who take up arms in defense of this nation, and the brave men and women who brave dark alleys at night to keep us safe. I am respected by them because I am one of them.

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I don’t have theories about public safety, I have experience.  I don’t have theories about foreign or public policy, I have lived it.  I have walked in the shoes of my constituents, from the family struggling to make ends meet, to the service member overseas, to the cop on the beat, to the business owner.  I have made life or death calls.   I have stared down the barrel of a gun when lives were on the line.  My whole life I have made the tough calls.  I will not back down when the interests of the citizens of District 29 are on the line.

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I am the right person for this job right now.  District 29 needs a Leader.  I am that Leader.

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A lifetime of service. 

 

Florida First.   Leadership Always.

 

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