504: Congressman Wesley Hunt: Discipline, Leadership, and America’s Future

Wesley Hunt shares insights into his family's strong military background and the values instilled in him that shaped his character and success.

Wesley Hailed From a Military Family With a Service Tradition

Wesley describes his family's deep-seated ethos of service to country. His father, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, graduated from ROTC at Southern University and served on active duty before transitioning to reserves in Houston, Texas. Growing up in the Jim Crow era, Wesley's parents witnessed their children's achievements and adopted a forward-looking attitude that rejected victimhood and encouraged progress.

Wesley's Father Was a Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel; His Sister Served 23 Years In Military Intelligence

Wesley's father was a source of inspiration, having dedicated over 20 years to military service. Similarly, Wesley’s sister blazed the trail, graduating from West Point in 1993 and serving 23 years as an active duty military intelligence officer with multiple deployments. This family tradition of service undoubtedly influenced Wesley and his brother's decision to serve.

Wesley and Brother Followed Sister To West Point

Both Wesley and his brother followed in their sister's footsteps to West Point, cultivating their own careers in service. Wesley graduated from the esteemed military academy in 2004 and aspired to fly Apache helicopters, a goal he fulfilled after his collegiate experience. His brother continued the legacy by graduating West Point in 2005 and later joining the Navy as a surface warfare officer. In a unique turn of events, Wesley had to salute his sister every day on campus because she was a respected instructor there while he was a cadet.

Parents Instilled Service and Well-Rounded Values In Wesley

Wesley credits his parents with laying a foundation of service and excellence. They were serious about developing their children into well-rounded individuals capable of leadership. West Point's training was instrumental in enhancing these principles, teaching cadets to be proficient, physically fit, and exemplary in their actions. Leaders were taught to show unwavering commitment by being the first in the room and the last to leave—qualities deeply ingrained in Wesley by his disciplined, loving family life.

Wesley's Parents Engaged the Family I ...

Wesley shares his in-depth experiences serving as an Apache helicopter pilot, emphasizing the intense combat missions in Baghdad and the importance of leadership and situational awareness.

Wesley Served 8 Years As an Apache Pilot, Including two Combat Deployments to Iraq

Wesley describes his experience as a battle captain where he learned the battle space before he started flying missions. He mentions training flights around Camp Taji and then being “cut loose” for actual missions. Wesley recalls flying 15 days straight, describing the mental and physical toll of concentrated four-hour combat missions. He flew 55 combat missions in Baghdad, faced the stress of combat, and the reality of potentially not returning from a mission, finding solace in saying the Lord’s prayer and Psalm 23 before taking off. Wesley emphasizes his responsibility for the safety of ground unit soldiers, indicating the crucial role he played in combat.

Wesley's Apache Training and Deployments Taught Crucial Leadership and Warfare Lessons

Wesley Hunt knew he wanted to go aviation since his freshman year at West Point and decided to become a pilot after flying in a Black Hawk during a tour. He details his rapid transition from flight school to Baghdad in 2006, describing it as going from "the frying pan into the fire." He arrived around February or March during intense conflict and quickly transitioned to flying combat missions.

At West Point, the importance of physical fitness was stressed for leadership effectiveness. Wesley learned crucial leadership and warfare lessons, including the importance of situational awareness and risk mitigation. Wesley shares that knowing where the good guys are is vital to avoid fratricide during combat. His training, which included instruction from Lee Major, stressed the significance of paying close attention in a "two-way range" where the enemy shoots back.

Wesley's Military Service Highlighted the Costs of War and Deepened Appreciation For Service Members' Sacrifices

Wesley expresses deep appreciation for his fel ...

Wesley Hunt's journey from the military to becoming a U.S. Congressman exemplifies a dedication to service, which is carried into his political life.

After the Army, Wesley Pursued Degrees at Cornell and Ran For Congress

Following his time in the Army, Wesley Hunt pursued further education at Cornell University, where he earned three master's degrees in Business, Public Administration, and Industrial and Labor Relations within four years. This advanced education experience, set in a liberal environment, cemented his conservative values as he perceived a disconnect between the liberal mindset and reality.

Wesley's First Congressional Run Was Unsuccessful, but He Regrouped and Returned Stronger

Initially, Wesley's first congressional race was a disappointment as he lost by three points. However, rather than being deterred, he viewed this loss as a pivotal moment for personal growth, helping him become a better person and politician. He took time to analyze what went wrong in his first campaign and made necessary corrections. His resilience eventually led him to win a congressional seat, attributing his success to his hard-working team and his growing brand.

As a Congressman, Wesley Uses His Military Background and Leadership to Address Tough Issues and Represent His Constituents

Wesley's military background influences his approach to governance. He has taken a stand on controversial issues, such as endorsing President Trump, whom he publicly supported before it became widespread. He was the first in the country to endorse Trump for a second term and later enjoyed personal engagements, such as flying with Trump and ...