SSG Brian Mast, U.S. Army (ret.)

Congressman Brian Mast (R-FL) followed in his father’s footsteps and enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he enjoyed more than 12 years of service. During that time, he had the honor of serving under the elite Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) as a bomb disposal expert. This meant that life was always dangerous and very often deadly.

Working under JSOC meant fighting at the tip of the spear in the ongoing war against radical Islamic terrorism. Being a bomb technician in this high level of special operations came with a great responsibility. Brian’s task was protecting his fellow soldiers from the war’s most deadly weapon, the improvised explosive device (IED). This meant placing himself directly in the line of fire on each and every mission.

While he was able to detect and destroy most of these IED’s, the very last IED he found resulted in sustained catastrophic injuries, which included the loss of both of his legs. During this time in service Brian was awarded medals for valor, merit, and sacrifice, to include The Bronze Star Medal, The Army Commendation Medal for Valor, The Purple Heart Medal, and The Defense Meritorious Service Medal. When Brian awoke after injury in Walter Reed Army Medical Center my focus was singular: get better, get back to work, and get back to serving America. He decided he was not going to let the best defense he had given our country be in my past.

Following his retirement from the Army, Brian continued his work in counter terrorism and national defense as an Explosive Specialist under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He also volunteered to serve alongside the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to show support for the freedom Israel represents throughout the Middle East and the world.

In 2016, Brian ran and was elected to the House of Representatives. Today, he serves as an America First representative for Florida’s Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast. A national leader on military, veterans and foreign affairs issues, Brian has made his life’s work to protect America’s strength and those that dedicate their lives in her defense.

As he experienced firsthand in the military, though, no mission succeeds alone. Valor PAC exists to send reinforcements to Congress in the fight for the defense of America. By electing more conservative leaders who are willing to pledge their lives in defense of our country, Valor PAC is working to secure an American future founded on the idea that the world is safest when America is strongest.