Meet Joe

At a young age Joe learned the American Dream is not just a slogan but a promise. As the son of an immigrant from Sudan who moved to America to pursue a brighter future and the grandson of a WWII POW, Joe knows the importance of keeping the American Dream alive and the value of service to our nation. Joe was born in the Twin Cities but grew up in a rural, small town in southwest Minnesota where he learned the value of hard work and dedication thanks to his father’s job in the meatpacking industry.

Joe brought the values and lessons instilled in him by his family everywhere he went and in college was heavily involved in the campus Christian ministry, Cru, as well as holding a leadership position in the Republican club. After graduating, Joe earned admission to Harvard Law School. It was there where Joe became friends with a veteran who had lost his legs in Iraq who told him about the Marine Corps. Joe had wanted to serve our country and was drawn to the Marines after learning more from his friend. Joe served on active duty for over four years and reached the rank of Captain.

While in the Marine Corps Joe deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve where he supported efforts to defeat ISIS. Joe saw how ISIS fighters used innocent civilians as human shields, much like Hamas does.