After college, I served on active duty with the US Navy for four years. Since then, I have remained an officer in the US Navy Reserve force and have deployed for 18-months to the Middle East in addition to my monthly and annual military service requirements. This week, I'm starting my annual service with the US Navy for the next few weeks.

Though I'm still cross-assigned with Special Operations Command Central here in MacDill AFB, this year, I'll be helping train and lead a team with Military Sealift Command respond to an international crisis that requires us moving lots of military cargo to the other side of the world rapidly and safely. This ability is part of why the US Military is unmatched in our ability to project our power wherever and whenever the nation calls.

Because this service is less than 90-days, I am allowed to keep campaigning, keep getting our message out, and keep fighting for the issues that matter in YOUR Florida House.

I will say, as the Vice-Chairman of the Veterans Caucus in the Florida Legislature, it's my honor to fight with my bipartisan colleagues for wins for our Veterans, their families, and our military community. There are 32 of us Veterans in the legislature, but just a handful still actively serve. It's a perspective I think is valuable in that I know the stress of immanent and unpredictable deployments, the months spent away from family, and the sacrifice of putting country before self.

I'll still be around these next few weeks, still be canvassing when I'm able and I'm still allowed to continue fundraising. But, it'll mean less time hanging out at the pool with my twins, working on my business GradePower Learning, and making calls to raise the dollars we'll need to WIN this tight race in November. These are the pulls my fellow reservists know well, and no matter the cost, I joined the military after 9/11 because our Nation requires selfless service and I answered the call then, and always.

Ok, I'm off to work!