A Distinguished Career Defending Our Nation

Press Release

I've spent my career defending our nation, and I'm proud of my twenty-three years of service as a U.S. Navy SEAL. As a testament of my leadership, I'm honored to release my service record as acting Commander of U.S. Special Forces in Iraq, one of two Bronze Star commendation, and share words of support from fellow SEALS I served alongside and distinguished veterans.

Support from the SEAL community and distinguished veterans:

"[Zinke is] my number one senior officer and advisor… light years ahead of his peers in leadership and battle sense."

- CAPT SEAL R.E. Smethers, USN (Ret.), 2004 Fitness Report

SEAL Team Six

"I first met Ryan in 1986 and was assigned as his Assistant SEAL platoon commander in 1987. For the next 2 years we worked closely as we trained, prepared and ultimately deployed the platoon. Over the remainder of my 20 year Naval career I worked with Ryan on numerous occasions. I always found him to be capable, ethical and loyal. I consider him a lifelong friend. If I lived in Montana, I would vote for him."

- CDR SEAL Hans Walsh, USN SEAL (Ret.)

SEAL Team ONE

"I know firsthand the true character of Zinke and based on that knowledge I choose him to represent me in Washington, D.C., and I highly recommend others to do the same."

- SCPO SEAL Chip Beaman, USN (Ret.)

"The 180,000 Montana veterans can depend on Ryan Zinke to be an advocate for them. This third-generation Montanan and former Montana state senator will continue to strongly represent all Montanans if elected to Congress."

- Brig. Gen. Dale Stovall, USAF (Ret.)

Source