Manu Garcia (D-VA)

[Mikey]

Name: Manuel Rios Garcia

Date of Birth: November 13, 1972
Party: Democrat

Caucus: Blue Dog Coalition

Wealth: Top 5%
Avatar: Pablo Alborán

 

Family

• Lincoln Garcia (née Harper) - (b. March 15, 1972, m. July 4, 2010)
  • Alex Garcia - (b. August 1, 2012)
  • Lucas Garcia - (b. December 31, 2015)

 

Family Occupations

Lincoln Garcia

• United States Supreme Court - (1993-1994)
  • Clerk, Justice Anthony Kennedy
• U.S. Department of Justice - (1994-Present)
  • Assistant United States Attorney, Southern District of New York - (1994-2000)
  • Assistant United States Attorney, District of Columbia - (2000-2009)
  • United States Attorney, Eastern District of Virginia - (2009-2011)
  • United States Attorney, District of Columbia - (2011-2014)
  • Assistant Attorney General, Criminal Division - (2014-Present)

 

Education

• Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (1985-1989)
  • High School Diploma
• United States Naval Academy (1989-1994)
  • Bachelors of Science 

 

Career

• United States Navy - (1994-2017)
  • Ensign - (1993-1995)
    • Electrical Officer, USS Barry (DDG-52) - (1993-1995)
  • Lieutenant Junior Grade - (1995-1998)
    • Communications Officer, USS John S McCain (DDG-56) - (1993-1995)
  • Lieutenant - (1998-2004)
    • Operations Officer, USS Lake Erie (CG-70) - (1998-1999)
    • Navigator, USS Cole (DDG-67) - (1999-2001)
    • Operations Officer, USS Vicksburg (CG-69) - (2001-2004)
  • Lieutenant Commander - (2004-2010)
    • Executive Officer, USS Cole (DDG-67) - (2004-2006)
    • Student/Staff, Naval War College - (2006-2008)
    • Staff Officer - Pentagon - (2008-2010)
  • Commander - (2010-2014)
    • Commanding Officer, USS O'Kane (DDG-77) - (2010-2012)
    • Senior Staff Office, Central Command - (2012-2014)
  • Captain - (2014-2017)
    • Commanding Officer, USS Makin Island (LHD-6) - (2014-2017)
• United States Senate - (2017-Present)
  • Senator - (Appointed 2017)

 

Awards

• Naval Cross, USS Cole Bombing - 2001
• Purple Heart, USS Cole Bombing - 2001

 

Books Published

 

Steady as She Goes: Leadership and Legacy in Naval Service

"Steady as She Goes: Leadership and Legacy in Naval Service" by Manu Garcia is a memoir that encapsulates his journey in the U.S. Navy, from Ensign to Captain. Highlighting critical moments like the USS Cole bombing, the book explores leadership, resilience, and mentorship themes. Garcia's reflections offer insights into the core principles of naval command and the broader application of these lessons in leadership and service. This concise narrative recounts his naval experiences and imparts enduring wisdom for leaders in any high-pressure domain.

 

Biography

 

Manuel (Manu) Rios Garcia, born into a well-established family on November 13, 1972, was instilled with a deep sense of duty and responsibility from his upbringing. This drove him to dedicate his life to public service, a career path he pursued with unwavering passion. His academic journey began at the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, where he graduated with honors in 1989. His thirst for service and leadership led him to the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1994.

Upon graduation, Manu was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. His first assignment was as the Electrical Officer on the USS Barry (DDG-52) from 1993 to 1995, where he demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership. He was then promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade and served as the Communications Officer on the USS John S. McCain (DDG-56) until 1998. His rapid ascent continued as he became a Lieutenant and took on the roles of Operations Officer on the USS Lake Erie (CG-70) and Navigator on the USS Cole (DDG-67), where he showcased his strategic insight and operational expertise.

Manu's tenure on the USS Cole was a testament to his resilience and leadership. The tragic bombing in 2001, a moment of immense crisis, saw him rise to the occasion with commendable strength. For his heroism, he was awarded the Naval Cross and Purple Heart, a recognition of his unwavering commitment to duty. He continued to serve with distinction as the Operations Officer on the USS Vicksburg (CG-69) until 2004.

Promoted to Lieutenant Commander, Manu became the Executive Officer on the USS Cole (DDG-67), further solidifying his reputation as a skilled and reliable leader. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the Naval War College between 2006 and 2008, after which he served as a Staff Officer at the Pentagon, influencing national defense policy and strategy.

As a Commander, Manu played a pivotal role in shaping military operations and policy. He was the Commanding Officer of the USS O'Kane (DDG-77) from 2010 to 2012, a period marked by his strategic insights and leadership. His contributions as a Senior Staff Officer at Central Command further solidified his reputation as a skilled and reliable leader, leaving a lasting impact on the military landscape.

In 2014, Manu achieved the rank of Captain. He was given command of the USS Makin Island (LHD-6), leading numerous successful missions and demonstrating his adeptness as a military leader until his retirement in January 2017.

Transitioning to a political career, Manu was appointed as a United States Senator in 2017 to replace Katrina Valdez who was appoint Secretary of State, where he continues to serve with distinction, representing his constituents and upholding his values as a member of the Democratic Party and the Blue Dog Coalition. His background as a Hispanic and openly homosexual man has added valuable perspective to his work, fostering diversity and inclusion within the political sphere.

Manu's personal journey took a significant turn when, after the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in 2010 and the legalization of same-sex marriage in Washington D.C., he married Lincoln Garcia on July 4, 2010. Lincoln has had a distinguished legal career, working with the United States Supreme Court and the Department of Justice, culminating in his role as Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Division. They have two sons, Alex and Lucas, and reside in a world where they balance public service with family life.

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Gender: Male: 0 points
Age: 45 years old: 5 points
Sexuality: Openly Homosexual: 25 points
Race/Ancestry: Hispanic: 5 points
Religion: Roman Catholic: 0 points
Education: College Degree at Private University (non-Ivy level) or Public Ivy: 5 Points

Family History: Top 5%: -10 points
Career Information: 

Senior Commissioned Officer (O-5 or O-6): 20 Points

Awards and Extras:

Major military award: 10 Pointsx2

Published a book: 10 Points

 

Total: 80 points

[jakeakins]

Never mind, I see I see. Once Valdez has been accepted by the Senate.

 

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