GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Brian Mast, a Grand Rapids native and war hero who lost both legs in an Afghanistan bomb blast, says Syrians and others fleeing war-torn countries should stay and fight, rather than allow terror groups such as Islamic State, or ISIS, to take over.
"If ISIS was here (in the U.S.), I dare say you, my sister, my family, every one of us would be out there, until our last breath or ISIS' (defeat), Mast told MLive and The Grand Rapids Press."That was my life before," he said.
He raised the issue during a candidate debate.
Mast said he isn't a warmonger but that hunting down terrorists, wherever they are, would remain a priority if Florida voters elect him to the U.S. House of Representatives.
The South Christian High graduate is returning to Grand Rapids on Monday, Oct. 26, for a fundraiser at Brann's Steakhouse & Grille, 4157 S. Division Ave.
Mast, who lives in Ft. Lauderdale with his wife, Brianna, and their three children, is seeking the Republican nomination to represent the 18th District.
He spent 12 years in the military, and said he isn't done serving his country.
Mast has made numerous appearances on national news shows, Fox News in particular. He's being featured on the History Channel.
And, he's the top money-raiser in a crowded GOP field, according to Breitbart.com.
"Brian Mast seems to be in the driver's seat at this point. If he continues with this momentum, he could very well leave the rest of the GOP congressional field eating his political dust," Brietbart.com said.
Better yet, an Army colonel who served with Mast in special operations, is retiring and moving to Florida to help his campaign - as a volunteer.
"That's a very big confidence booster," Mast said.
He said he has gotten widespread support. He sees himself as an alternative to career politicians. His military service - he retired as a staff sergeant - shows his commitment to the country. Now, he's ready to lead.
Mast has no regrets about his service. He was an explosives expert. He considers the loss of his legs, as well as a finger and damage to his arm, the price he had to pay to protect others on night patrol in a deserted village near Kandahar in southern Afghanistan.
He earned medals for valor, merit and sacrifice, including the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, the Purple Heart, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
He plans to lead by example.
After he was injured, he underwent grueling rehabilitation . He eventually retired from the military. He graduated from Harvard University. He volunteered with Israeli Defense Forces. He worked as an explosives specialist for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
He said he could've gone on disability. It wasn't a consideration.
"I've been to work every day since I retired from the military," he said.
He and his wife were guests at the White House and sat with first lady Michelle Obama at President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address. The Masts had dinner with Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, who supports helping veterans.
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2015/10/wounded_war_hero_congressional.html#incart_river_home
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