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.
Florida plays an integral role keeping Americans safe, and I’m proud to represent our state on the House Armed Services Committee. As a Green Beret and former Pentagon and White House advisor, I know firsthand the challenges facing our men and women in uniform as well as what is required to complete the mission.
A strong military protects the interests of our nation at home and abroad and relies heavily on Congressional support and American innovation. As threats grow around the globe, we have a duty to ensure our service members have the resources to meet these challenges and keep America safe. It is essential for Congress to honor its commitments to military personnel, and their families, so these critical missions are carried out safely and successfully.