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Mike Waltz: Veteran, Congressman from Florida

Mike Waltz

Michael (Mike) Waltz is a Republican who has won a seat in the US House of Representatives in Florida’s 6th Congressional District. This is the first time he has run for office.

About Mike Waltz

Mike was born in Boynton Beach, Florida in 1974. He was raised in Jacksonville, Florida and currently lives in St. Augustine Beach, Florida with his wife and daughter.

Education

He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from Virginia Military Institute, graduating in 1996.

Military Career

In 1996, he joined ROTC and then the US Army reserves as an officer where he is still serving today. During his time in the service he graduated Ranger school and was selected for the elite Special Forces Green Berets.

He has been through multiple combat tours in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa.

He also led the search for Pvt. Bowe Bergdahl after he deserted his post and then led the call to justice after Bergdahl’s return.

During his time in the military, he also served as a Team Leader and Coalition Liaison.

Besides serving his country in the Army Reserves, Mike Waltz is a businessman, author and a former Fox News contributor.

As a businessman, he was the CEO of Metis Solutions Corporation, a private equity-backed defense firm that provides strategic analysis, intelligence support, and training to US Government customers worldwide. He was CEO from 2010 through 2018.

Mike authored the book, Warrior Diplomat: A Green Beret’s Battles from Washington to Afghanistan. The book was endorsed by former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and was named to the US Special Operations Command Commander’s 2016 Reading List. The net proceeds from the book are donated to the Green Beret Foundation. He also contributed to the book, Drone Wars : Transforming Conflict, Law, and Policy which was edited by Peter L. Bergen and Daniel Rothenberg.

As a Fox News Contributor, he provided expert commentary on foreign policy and defense issues from 2016 through 2018. He also has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, BBC World News, and PBS Frontline.

As far as politics go, he worked in the Pentagon as a defense policy director for Secretaries of Defense Rumsfeld and Gates. He also served in the White House as Vice President Cheney’s counter-terrorism advisor. His official titles were, Special Advisor to the Vice President for South Asia and Counter-terrorism, from 2007-2009, Afghanistan Country Director, Department of Defense from 2006-2007, and Program Manager, United States Department of Defense, from 2004-2005.

Mike Waltz feels like he would be able to bring his years of military service to Congress. He has been able to fight terrorists and build a business and feels those skills will help him accomplish what needs to be done in the government. He wants a new type of leadership in Congress and feels like he can bring that. The issues he is focused on are affordable healthcare, securing our border, education, and keeping taxes low.

Mike Waltz won against Democrat Nancy Soderberg in Florida’s 6th Congressional District.

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Julie Provost is a freelance writer, and blogger. She lives in Tennessee with her National Guard husband and three boys.