Allen West

Election: Defeated Rep. Ron Klein, D Residence: Plantation Born: Feb. 7, 1961; Atlanta, Ga. Religion: Christian Family: Wife, Angela West; two children Education: U. of Tennessee, B.A. 1983 (political science); Kansas State U., M.A. 1996 (political science) Military: Army 1983-2004 Career: Army officer; military training consultant; high school teacher Congressman Allen West (FL-22) proudly and humbly serves the constituents of Florida's 22nd district, encompassing parts of beautiful Broward and Palm Beach Counties along South Florida's coastline. Patriotism is in Congressman West's blood. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, in the same neighborhood where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr once preached, West is the third of four generations of military servicemen in his family. Before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army, West served as a Field Artillery Officer in several combat zones: in Operation Desert Storm, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was battalion commander for the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, and in Afghanistan, where he trained Afghan officers to take on the responsibility of securing their own country. In 2004, when it was time to retire from service, West brought his wife and two young daughters to South Florida, where he taught high school for one year. He then returned to Afghanistan as an advisor to the Afghan army. In November of 2010, Congressman West was honored to be able to continue his oath of service to his country when he was elected to be a Representative in the United States Congress. "I have traded in my camouflage uniform for a suit," West said. "But the commitment to protect the people of the United States is still my mission." Congressman West received his Bachelors degree from University of Tennessee and Masters degree from Kansas State University, both in political science. He also holds a Master of Military Arts and Sciences from the US Army Command and General Staff Officer College in political theory and military operations. In his Army career, Col. West has been honored many times, including a Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals (one with Valor), and a Valorous Unit Award. He received his valor award as a Captain in Desert Shield/Storm, was the US Army ROTC Instructor of the Year in 1993, and was a Distinguished Honor Graduate III Corps Assault School. He proudly wears the Army Master parachutist badge, Air Assault badge, Navy/Marine Corps parachutist insignia, Italian parachutist wings, and German proficiency badge (Bronze award). Congressman West is an avid distance runner, a certified SCUBA diver, motorcyclist, and attends Community Christian Church in Tamarac, Florida. A Representative from Florida; born in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, on February 7, 1961; B.A., University of Tennessee; M.A., Kansas State University; United States Army; M.M.A.S., U.S. Army Command and General Staff Officer College; educator; military adviser to the Afghan army; elected as a Republican to the One Hundred Twelfth Congress (January 3, 2011-present).