Graham Hunt (politician)
| Graham Hunt | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the Position 1, 2nd legislative district | |
|
In office January 17, 2014[1] – February 2, 2016 | |
| Preceded by | Gary Alexander |
| Orting City Council, Position 1 | |
|
Assumed office September 8, 2010[2] | |
| Preceded by | Joachim Pestinger |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Graham Ryan Hunt April 21, 1979 |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Lynda Hunt |
| Residence | Orting, Washington |
| Alma mater |
American InterContinental University (A.A.) American InterContinental University (B.B.A.) |
| Profession |
Insurance broker Small business owner |
| Website | Official |
Graham Hunt (born April 21, 1979) is an American politician of the Republican Party. He is a former member of the Washington House of Representatives, representing the 2nd Legislative District.
Career
Hunt served in the U.S. Air Force and had several deployments to the Middle East. While serving in the armed forces, Hunt earned the Achievement Meda, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and was awarded several service ribbons, among these were ribbons for expert marksmanship. Shortly after Hunt left military service he started Hunt Family Insurance Agency, a small business located in Lakewood, Washington.
In 2010 Hunt sought a position on the Orting City Council.[2] The following year, Hunt ran unopposed to retain his seat. Hunt served as the chair for the Transportation Committee and co-chair for Public Safety.
Hunt was appointed to the state legislature on January 17, 2014 by the Thurston County Board of Commissioners and Pierce County County Council, despite being the second choice of the Republican Precinct Committee Officers from the district. Hunt then went on to win the general election in 2014, receiving 62.53% of the vote.[1] Hunt served on the House Appropriations Committee, Business and Financial Services and was the Assistant Ranking on the Labor Committee.[3]
Military service controversy
Hunt listed one mid-level medal and two campaign medals that a military personnel center has no record of him receiving, however in Hunt's defense, he also didn't list several medals that he did receive and have been confirmed by the Air Reserve Personnel Center who also noted they are likely missing documents related to his service record. Hunt said he deleted references to the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal after being asked to clarify his military service record in an effort to ensure he only listed medals and deployment history that he was able to immediately prove. The Air Reserve Personnel Center confirmed records showing he has been awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal, The Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Reserve Force Meritorious Service Medal with devices and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.[4][5] On February 2, 2016, Hunt announced his immediate resignation citing it was with a heavy heart and that he has exerted his best effort to compile a complete set of military personnel files which memorializes his service history. Hunt also announced that he has enlisted congressional help to obtain records and plans on providing documentation when it becomes available. Hunt's resignation was due to the toll this has taken on his family.[6]
References
- 1 2 "Orting councilman Graham Hunt wins seat in state Legislature". theolympian.com. January 17, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
- 1 2 "Graham Hunt New Orting City Councilman". ortingnews.com. September 21, 2010. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
- ↑ "House Republican Graham Hunt Member Page". Houserepublicans.wa.gov. January 17, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
- ↑ "Washington state lawmaker alters bio after questions raised about war record". MilitaryTimes. January 24, 2016. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
- ↑ Brunner, Jim (January 23, 2016). "‘Combat veteran’? Records fail to back state lawmaker’s claims". The Seattle Times. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
- ↑ Brunner, Jim (February 2, 2016). "State Rep. Graham Hunt quits over military-service exaggerations". The Seattle Times. Retrieved February 3, 2016.