Congressman Mike Waltz represents North Central Florida, is a Colonel in the National Guard, a combat-decorated Green Beret, former White House and Pentagon policy advisor, a small business owner, an author, and a proud father. He is the first Green Beret to be elected to Congress.
Mike was born in Boynton Beach, FL and grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. He was raised by a hard-working single mother and is the son and grandson of Navy Chiefs.
Mike has served his country his entire life. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute with Honors, has served over 26 years in the U.S. Army, and is presently serving in the National Guard. After being commissioned as an Army lieutenant, Mike graduated Ranger School and was selected for the elite Green Berets, serving worldwide as a Special Forces officer with multiple combat tours in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa. For his actions in combat, Mike was awarded four Bronze Stars, including two for Valor.
The 21st century space race is on, meaning jobs for Florida, but also enhanced national security for America. As adversaries like China militarize their space program, it is necessary for the United States to focus resources to defend against growing threats and maintain our technological edge.
Florida is the epicenter for America’s space program. Our Space Coast launched the first American suborbital flight and the first American to orbit Earth. From Cape Canaveral, rockets propelled the astronauts that left their footprints on the face of the moon and ferried the space shuttle astronauts into the stratosphere for 30 years.
Astronautical and aeronautical research and development are a key part of Central Florida’s economy. Florida universities, including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, lead the world in training premier aviation and aerospace talent. As a member of the Committee on Science, Space and Technology, my goal is to ensure these 21st Century jobs remain in Florida by investing in education programs here.
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