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Wounded Warrior Returns From Fighting Terrorism In Israel. You Won’t Believe What He’s Considering Next.
As Western Journalism reported last year, retired U.S. Army SSG Brian Mast did not let the fact that he lost both legs in an attack while deployed in Afghanistan diminish his drive to serve. In an exclusive interview, he shared his plan to fight alongside Israeli Defense Forces as a volunteer – a trip from which he recently returned.
“I honestly believe that Israelis want nothing more than peace with each of their neighboring countries regardless of the history they have,” he said in a subsequent interview with Western Journalism. “I believe this because of the time I spent at the table of many hosts, seeing in their eyes the constant worry they have for their sons and daughters who constantly have to defend Israel.”
Since returning, Mast said he has considered what the next chapter of his life should include. Though he has yet to formally announce, he explained that a congressional bid in his home state of Florida is a distinct possibility.
Image Credit: Brian Mast/Courtesy
His motivation, he explained, is a desire to do more than just talk about the things he thinks need to be changed in America, opting instead to lead the effort.
“I want to inspire all of our leaders to serve as my brothers and sisters serve on the battlefield,” he said “—without regard for personal sacrifice or gain, only what is best for our country.”
Beyond that, Mast said a desire to run for elected office has been building since the aftermath of his life-altering injury.
“I have been considering running for Congress since I was lying in a bed in Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 2010,” he recalled. “I can remember very specifically having the conversation with my wife that I do not want to go through life and have my greatest contribution be in my past, that the best example I ever set for my kids was back when I served, and the best think I ever did for my brothers to my left and right in combat be back when I was in Afghanistan, or to have the best thing I have done for our country be when I was in the Army. I believe in my heart the best I can give our country is still ahead.”
Asked what attributes of a soldier translate to a legislative career, Mast did not hesitate in offering several “important principles” that have guided his life both on and off the battlefield.
He stated his believe that “the best leaders never ask their men to do something they are not first willing to do themselves.”
Mast compared military and congressional service by asserting the “decisions we make have real life-and-death consequences in war, and so too to do the decisions made in Washington.”
Image Credit: Brian Mast/Courtesy
Though he said any official announcement won’t be made until next week, Mast did share several themes that would be central to his campaign should he decide to run.
He cited positions – including reducing the size and scope of government and returning more power back to the states – sure to appeal to Florida’s conservative voters. Furthermore, he pledged to fight to repeal ObamaCare, endorsing instead a private sector healthcare model offering individual health savings accounts.
“I have been a part of socialized healthcare just like so many of my fellow veterans,” he said, “and we can tell any who want to know just what this looks like – no choice in providers, falsified waiting lists, little choice in care options and staff that is rarely removed when they underperform.”
Mast also supports school vouchers, a flat-rate tax system, and a secure southern border.
One issue obviously close to his heart is the treatment of America’s returning veterans.
“As far as a system of healthcare,” he said, “I believe the bureaucratic nature of the VA makes in capable to provide the best care; and veterans should receive total choice in care.”
Though he would be entering the race to represent Florida’s 18th district a political novice, Mast said he nonetheless likes his odds.
“I think my chances are great,” he said. “Though I am new to politics, I have been serving and fighting for our country for most of my adult life. I have let my actions be guided by my principles and I [that] translates to my neighbors knowing that my policy will be driven by my principles also. I think people will appreciate that I give the kinds of straight, direct answers and actions that were always expected out of me while in the Army.”
To find out more about Mast or to follow his potential path toward the House, visit his official Facebook page.
Would you like to have more representatives with Mast’s track record of sacrifice and bravery? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
This post originally appeared on Western Journalism – Equipping You With The Truth
Source: http://www.westernjournalism.com/wounded-warrior-returns-from-fighting-terrorism-in-israel-you-wont-believe-what-hes-considering-next/
