Republican Brian Birdwell Declares Candidacy for Senate Seat

GRANBURY, Texas, March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Hood County resident Lt. Col. (Ret.) Brian Birdwell, a recipient of the Bronze Star in the Persian Gulf War and a survivor of the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon, today announced his candidacy in the May 8 special election for Senate District 22.   Birdwell has gained statewide and national prominence for his work on behalf of burn survivors serving in the military and as a passionate advocate for freedom, liberty and bedrock conservative values.  He was a featured speaker at the 2006 Republican State Convention in San Antonio, where he addressed more than 12,000 attendees.

Birdwell said, "After talking with conservatives across the district, I'm very encouraged by the strong, positive response received so far.  I believe this race is wide open, so today I'm declaring my candidacy for state senate, and look forward to facing another challenge with determination and resolve." 

Birdwell was a staff officer at the Pentagon on 9/11 when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building. Over 60% of his body was badly burned, and he has endured 39 operations to rebuild his body.  His story of perseverance and recovery, despite incredible odds, was chronicled by state and national media and has inspired thousands of citizens around the country.   Brian and his wife Mel authored "Refined by Fire: A Family's Triumph of Love and Faith", which tells their story of survival. Birdwell was awarded a Bronze Star for service in the Persian Gulf War and the Purple Heart for his wounds at the Pentagon.

Birdwell's announcement was greeted with enthusiasm and support from well known and respected leaders and activists. Wayne Purselley, who has been actively involved in politics in McLennan County for many years, accepted the role as campaign treasurer.  David Barton, former Texas GOP State Vice Chairman said that one of the most important issues in politics today is that Republicans need to be role models of good character and said, "Brian's story shows that the terrorist attack against the Pentagon did not produce character in Birdwell; rather it revealed his character."

Republican National Committeeman for Texas, Bill Crocker, weighed in saying "Brian Birdwell is a genuine, articulate conservative with proven leadership ability and unquestioned integrity.  Central Texas Republicans are fortunate to have the opportunity to make him their next State Senator for Senate District 22."

Noting the important issues of the next session of the legislature, Birdwell said that his past experience dealing with high level domestic military issues and an Army budget has equipped him in a unique way to fight for Senate District 22.  Birdwell said, "Texas faces great challenges in the next session, on issues ranging from the budget, standing up to an overreaching and out of control federal government, and preserving the conservative values which have made Texas the envy of the nation.  Citizens can count on me to be a conservative champion on these issues."

A native Texan, Brian D. Birdwell graduated from Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas in May 1984. Graduating as the Distinguished Military Graduate through Army ROTC, he continued his service in the United States Army at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Birdwell's two decade career in the military took him across the nation and the world.  After being sent to serve in South Korea for 18 months, Birdwell returned to the states to meet his future wife, Mel.  In 1989, they traveled to their new station in Kitzingen, Germany.  While in Germany, Birdwell was deployed for Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and earned a Bronze Star Medal for his action in the Gulf War.  In 1998, he also helped lead the Joint Task Force in support of relief operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch.   He was assigned to the Department of the Army staff at the Pentagon where he served as the Executive Officer to the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management.

Brian and his wife Mel founded "Face the Fire", a non-profit ministry to provide financial and other support for those affected by critical burns.  They focus on civilian burn survivors, wounded military personnel, and the national and local organizations that support these causes such as Brooke Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston.

He is married to the former Melva Collins ('Mel') of Davis, Oklahoma.   Brian and Mel have been married for 22 years and they have one son, Matt, who is a junior at Texas Tech.   They attend Lakeside Baptist Church in Granbury.

Pol. Adv. Paid for by Brian Birdwell Campaign

SOURCE Brian Birdwell Campaign