Combat Veterans For Congress---Embedded Integrity

The Combat Veterans For Congress PAC is endorsing Cdr Chris W. Lewis, USNA ’93, USN (Ret) as the 128th Combat Veteran For Congress in the last 10 years to run for Congress in the 5th Congressional District of Alabama in 2020.  Cdr Lewis is from Florence, Alabama, and served in the US Navy for 23 years.  He is a fiscally conservative candidate who believes in a smaller, leaner federal government, lower taxes, a strong national defense, and he will work to rein in the out of control spending by reckless members of Congress.  Cdr Lewis is an independent thinking Republican, who will champion Veterans rights. 

Cdr Lewis will work with President Trump to secure the southern border and provide Customs and Border Patrol Agents the needed resources they have been asking for to prevent hundreds of thousands of Illegal Aliens, from 60 countries, from entering the United States through a wide-open southern border.  Cdr Lewis is running for the seat in the 5th Congressional District of Alabama that is held by five term Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL-5). 

Congressman Brooks is career politician from Huntsville and has held an elective office for 35 years.  Huntsville is the fastest growing city in the southeast, and has diverse constituency.  Mo Brooks has lost touch with the constituents in his district and is challenged to understand and view the World as the majority of those in North Alabama.  He failed to listen to his constituents, and provide little to no solutions for the Nation’s and the District’s challenges.  Mo Brooks lacks in depth military experience to evaluate defense issues which have become critically important in dealing with the threats posed by China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.  North Alabama needs a Veteran in politics, not a veteran politician; North Alabama needs a representative who will pay attention to and work with Alabamians.  Although approached by concerned Alabamians, Mo Brooks has failed to support legislation to deal with the mental health crisis affecting Alabama and the Nation.  

Chris Lewis was raised in a family that exemplifies service to the Republic; Chris’ maternal grandfather, SSgt George Seelenbinder, USA served in the European Theatre during WWII with the 393rd Infantry regiment, 99thDivision, during the Normandy Landing and the Battle of the Bulge.  His paternal grandfather, Ralph Lewis served in the Pacific Theatre during WWII in the US Marine Corps.  His uncle, Capt Charles Novak, USA, served from 1959 to 1967 and saw combat during the Vietnam conflict with the 8th Helicopter Transport Company, and the 117th Air Assault Division.  Chris’ father, Harold Lewis, was a Senior Airman in the US Air Force from 1965 to 1969. 

Chris Lewis was born on July 28, 1971 in Dayton, OH, and spent his youth in Huber Heights, Oh, Moville, IA, and then London, OH; the family then moved to Florence, AL.  In Florence, Chris attended Bradshaw High School; he played football and was on the track team (Shot Put and Discus); Chris graduated in May 1989.  Chris received a principle appointment to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD from Congressman Ronnie Flippo.  

Chris Lewis was sworn into the US Navy as a Midshipman on July 3, 1989.  While matriculating at the Naval Academy he played Rugby and was on the Track Team (Hammer, Discus, and Shot Put).  Prior to graduation from the US Naval Academy, Midshipman Lewis was medically qualified for flight training.  On May 26, 1993, Midshipman Lewis graduated from the US Naval Academy, was commissioned an Ensign in the US Navy, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree, with a major in Political Science.  Subsequently, in June 2002, Lieutenant Lewis received a Master of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida.  In November 2007, Lieutenant Commander Lewis received a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U S Naval War College in Newport, RI. 

In August 1993, Ens Lewis reported to the US Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL for temporary duty at the Naval Aviation Museum while awaiting entry into Flight School.  In January 1994 he was transferred to Naval Aviation Maintenance Indoctrination School, and in August 1994, Ens Lewis reported for preflight indoctrination, then he began primary flight training in T-34Cs and September 1994 and completed training in March 1995.  In March 1995, Ens Lewis reported to Randolph Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX for Joint Undergraduate Navigation Training.  Ensign Lewis was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade on May 26, 1995, received his wings, and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in October 1995.  Lt(jg) Lewis reported to Patrol Squadron THREE-ZERO, Jacksonville, FL for P-3 Orion Naval Flight Officer Training; he completed training in April 1996. 

In May 16, 1996 he reported to San Diego, CA for Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape Training.  In May 1996, Lt (jg) Lewis reported to Patrol Squadron FOUR-SIX at Whidbey Island, Washington as a Naval Flight Officer.  In June 1997, Lt(jg) Lewis was promoted to Lieutenant.  On April 10, 1998, Lt Lewis received orders to attend the Legal Officer Course at Naval Justice School at the San Diego Naval Station, CA.  In February 2000, Lt Lewis received orders to report to Training Squadron TEN in Pensacola FL as an instructor.  On August 4, 2000, Lt Lewis received orders to go through the Security Assistance Management Training Officer’s Course at Wright Patterson, Air Force Base outside of Fairborn, Ohio.  In July 2002, Lt Lewis received orders to report to BUPERS Sea Duty Component in Dallas, TX, and was promoted to Lieutenant Commander on May 30, 2003.    

On August 2004, Lcdr Lewis received orders to report to Special Projects Patrol Squadron ONE.  In January 2005, he deployed with the squadron in support of Operation Enduring Freedom operating in central and southern Afghanistan to conduct Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Missions throughout Afghanistan.  Lcdr Lewis flew combat missions while conducting Direct Support Over Watch and provided real-time intelligence for combat troops in contact with the enemy. 

In February 2005, the Squadron deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to Al Udeid, Qatar and conducted Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Missions throughout Persian Gulf and Iraq, and conducted Direct Support Over Watch for combat troops in contact and for convoys, providing real-time intelligence, while flying over ongoing combat operations.  In June 2005, Lcdr Lewis was assigned as Officer-in-Charge and Mission Commander and continued the same above listed flight operations. 

In July 2005, Lcdr Lewis was assigned as the ISR Mission Liaison Officer for various operation in Iraq, supporting the Joint Task Force (MG Stanley McChrystal, Commanding).  Lcdr Lewis was assigned as the Ground Liaison for airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance assets providing cross-cueing and real-time intelligence to troops in contact and planners.  Lcdr Lewis was awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal. 

In September 2005, Lcdr Lewis was assigned as the Officer-in-Charge and Mission Commander for flights operating out of Al Udeid, Qatar and conducted ISR Missions throughout the Persian Gulf region and Iraq.  Lcdr Lewis conducted Direct Support Over Watch for combat troops in contact and convoys, providing real-time intelligence. 

In January 2006, the Squadron deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Lcdr Lewis was assigned as the Officer-in-Charge and Mission Commander operating out of Al Udeid, Qatar and conducted ISR Missions throughout the Persian Gulf region and Iraq.  Lcdr Lewis conducted Direct Support Over Watch for combat troops in contact and convoys, providing real-time intelligence.  Lcdr Lewis was awarded the Strike Flight Air Medal (1st and 2nd award). 

In July 2006, the squadron deployed to central Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and conducted Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Missions throughout Afghanistan, conducted Direct Support Over Watch support, and provided real-time intelligence for combat troops.  The Squadron returned to Brunswick, ME in October 2006.  Lcdr Lewis was awarded the Strike Flight Air Medal (3rd award), and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3rd award). 

In November 2006, Lcdr Lewis received orders to matriculate at the US Naval War College in Newport, RI.  In November 2007, Lcdr Lewis received a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College.  In January 2008, Lcdr Lewis received orders to report as a NATO Strategic Analyst to the Joint Analysis Lessons Learned Center in Lisbon, Portugal.  In August 2008, he deployed from Portugal in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, to Kabul, Afghanistan as liaison to the Commander International Security Assistance Force.  He was responsible for cooperation and integration of NATO Lessons Learned Agencies with US Combat Training Advisory Group and Afghan National Army.  On November 1, 2008, Lcdr Lewis was promoted to Commander.  

From February to December 2008, Cdr Lewis took charge of a politically volatile and sensitive analysis project and provided a briefing to NATO HQs that resulted in the identification of multiple NATO Strategic Action Items.  Subsequently he was selected to lead the largest and most complex NATO analysis project in 2009, to define the role for NATO's Standing Maritime Response Force Group in out of area Piracy operations.  For his service in Lisbon and Afghanistan, Cdr Lewis was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Non-Article 5 ISAF NATO Service Medal. 

In April 2009, Cdr Lewis departed the Joint Analysis Lessons Learned Center in Portugal, for Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD.  In November 2011, Cdr Lewis reported as Assistant Officer-in-Charge, Fleet Support Unit, Commander Patrol Reconnaissance Wing TEN, Whidbey Island, WA.  In May 2013, Cdr Lewis assumed the role of Officer-in-Charge, Fleet Support Unit TEN.  In May 2014, Cdr Lewis received orders to report to Naval Air Warfare Center Aviation Division, Arnold Engineering Development Complex, Tullahoma, TN.  

On May 31,  2016, Cdr Lewis was Honorably Discharge, from the US Navy after 23 years of service.  He is the recipient of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal (Gold star in lieu of 2ndaward), Stirke/Flight Air Medal (3rd award), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 Gold stars in lieu of 4th award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Gold start in lieu of 2nd award), Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Navy and Marine Corps Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2 Bronze Stars in lieu of 3rd award), Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, the Non-Article 5 ISAF NATO Service Medal, and numerous Service and Campaign Medals.

From December 2016 to October 2018 Chris Lewis provided Advisory & Assistance Program Management Support at Arnold Engineering Development Complex, Arnold AFB, Tullahoma, TN for QuantiTech.  From December 2016 to present Chris Lewis has continued as President of Patton Island Consulting, in Florence Alabama, and has been managing and running his farm.   

Chris announced his candidacy for Congress on April 15, 2019.  Chris Lewis has been endorsed to run for Congress by the Alabama Farmers Federation (FARMPAC), DYNETIC of Huntsville, The Professional Fire Fighters of Alabama, Brigadier General “Smoking” Joseph S. Stringham, USA (Ret) a member of the Ranger Hall of Fame, and the Combat Veterans For Congress PAC. 

Chris is a member of the NRA, the VFW, the American Legion, a lifetime member of the US Naval Academy Alumni Association, The Alabama Farmers Federation, The Knights of Columbus, and the Shoals Chamber of Commerce.  Chris has been married for 25 years to his wife Keri; they are proud parents of two sons, Alexander age 15, and Jacob age 12.  The Lewis’ are very active members of Saint Michael’s Catholic Church in St. Florian, AL. 

The Combat Veterans For Congress PAC is pleased to endorse Cdr Chris W. Lewis, USNA ’93, USN (Ret) who will bring to Congress private sector skills and wisdom to better solve problems in government and represent the 5th Congressional District of Alabama and the Republic.  If you review Cdr Lewis’ positions on his Web site, you would be pleased with his stands; they agree with the Combat Veterans For Congress Mission Statement. 

We look forward to working with Cdr Lewis, and are pleased that a Combat Veteran of his caliber is running for Congress.  If you have friends, associates, or relatives who know voters in the 5th Congressional District of Alabama, kindly pass this E-mail on to them, and ask them to support Cdr Lewis by working in his campaign, providing financial support for his campaign in any amount, and/or by networking with others who would be willing to support his campaign. 

The military is one of the few remaining institutions producing the caliber of men and women needed to restore this nation to the greatness our Founding Fathers envisioned.  We have endorsed another Combat Veteran For Congress that General George Washington would have approved of.  He is a Veteran who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America” for an amount “up to and including his life.”