FL-18: Brian Mast (R)
PROFILE
About Mast:
After graduating from South Christian High School in 1999, Brian Mast followed in his father’s footsteps and enlisted in the U.S. Army. There, he enjoyed service for over 12 years. During his service,he had the honor of serving under the elite Joint Special Operations Command as a bomb disposal expert. This meant that life was always dangerous and very often deadly.
Working under JSOC meant fighting at the tip of the spear in the ongoing war against radical Islamic terrorism. Being a bomb technician in this high level of special operations came with a great responsibility. Mast’s task was protecting fellow soldiers from the war’s most deadly weapon, the improvised explosive device.
While Mast was able to detect and destroy most of these IED’s, the very last IED he found resulted in sustained catastrophic injuries, which included the loss of both legs. During this time in service, he was awarded medals for valor, merit, and sacrifice, to include The Bronze Star Medal, The Army Commendation Medal for Valor, The Purple Heart Medal, and The Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
Brian Mast believes that the trials we each face have little importance compared to what we do in response to each challenge that we face.
As a result, when Mast awoke after injury in Walter Reed Army Medical Center his focus was singular: get better, get back to work, and get back to serving America. Each day thereafter consisted of eight hours of physical therapy. In addition to recovery and ongoing military duties, Mast would also provide requested expertise to the National Nuclear Security Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms.
Following retirement from the Army, Mast continued work in counter terrorism and national defense as an Explosive Specialist under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In 2015, he volunteered to serve alongside the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to show support for the freedom Israel represents throughout the Middle East and the world.
Brian Mast is humbled and honored to fight as your Congressman from Florida’s 18th congressional district.
