Why Listen: Although Brian lost both of his legs while serving in Army, he didn’t let that deter him from finding a mission where he could continue to make a difference in the world. Brian ran for and is now a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Florida’s 18th District. In this interview we avoid politics and focus on what it’s like to work IN politics, as well as why Veterans may want to consider this as a career path. For listeners who enjoy this episode, be sure to check out: BTU #70 - Emily Cherniack: How New Politics is helping veterans of both parties run for office - https://beyondtheuniform.org/blog/btu-70-emily-cherniak-how-new-politics-is-helping-veterans-of-both-parties-run-for-office?rq=emily%20cher BTU #250 - Navy Veteran to Congressional Candidate (Josh Welle) - https://beyondtheuniform.org/blog/btu-250-navy-veteran-to-congressional-candidate-josh-welle?rq=josh%20welle BTU #316 - Navy to Nebraska State Government (Jason Jackson) - https://beyondtheuniform.org/blog/btu-316-navy-to-nebraska-state-government-jason-jackson?rq=josh%20welle BTU #66 - Sean Barney: Purple Heart recipient to Congressional Candidate - https://beyondtheuniform.org/blog/btu-66-sean-barney-purple-heart-recipient-to-congressional-candidate?rq=barney About Brian Brian Mast is a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Florida’s 18th District. After high school, he followed in his father’s footsteps, enlisting in the U.S. Army where he served for over 12 years as a member of the elite Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) as a bomb disposal expert. While serving, the very last IED Brian found resulted in sustained catastrophic injuries, which included the loss of both of his legs. Following retirement from the Army, Brian continued his work in counter terrorism and national defense as an Explosive Specialist under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He also volunteered to serve alongside the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to show support for the freedom Israel represents throughout the Middle East and the world.