Greetings!
As the only bomb technician on the ground with my assault force each night, it was my job in the Army to ensure that my guys made it to and from each target safe from explosives. It was an inherently dangerous job, but I’ve always believed in serving something greater than oneself, and I truly believe that God put me on this earth to help others.

I was injured on September 19, 2010 when one of these improvised explosive devices detonated beneath me. I remember the way the bomb that tore through my legs rattled my teeth. I didn’t even know if I had teeth left in my mouth because of the concussion from the explosion.

Soon after, however, amid a cloud of dirt and very little moonlight, I could hear the chatter over my radio: EOD (my call sign) was hit. As I lay there, my guys applied tourniquets to both of my legs and my left arm. They moved me quickly across the challenging terrain to the landing zone rendering me one final salute as the helicopter took off. Their selfless acts of courage are the only reason that I am still here today.

This Service Before Self attitude that veterans have is exactly why I’m determined to help elect more conservative, America First veterans to Congress.  

We need more leaders in Washington who have this unwavering commitment to putting America First, and not more Pelosi disciples who believe that this nation is just an “idea” to be exploited for personal gain.

A few days after I was blown up, I awoke in Walter Reed Army Medical Center unsure of where I was or what had happened. The next few weeks were a blur of surgeries and recovery. But, through it all, I knew that I could not accept a fate where the most meaningful work of my life was behind me.

So, I learned to walk again. And then I learned to run. And then I set my sights on running for public office to continue my fight defending our nation from enemies both foreign and domestic. Although I may no longer be an asset on the battlefield in Afghanistan, I found a new battlefield to fight on in the halls of Congress.  

That brings me to where we are today: this fight to defend America has never been more important. There is chaos at our border and our politics have been hijacked by extremists who want to bring socialism to our country.

I’m fighting, on the other hand, to restore and build up our great nation. And just like I needed the help of my fellow soldiers in Afghanistan, I need the help of more America First patriots in Congress…

So, will you help me elect more American heroes who will always fight for America First?
Thank you in advance for your support.
For America,
SSG Brian Mast, U.S. Army (ret.)
United States Congressman, FL-18