User:Malkemus/sandbox

Charleston Malkemus(born 1980), is an engineer, entrepreneur, and Marine Corps Major. He is a Candidate for U.S. Representative in Florida's 21st congressional district, which includes Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, and Delray Beach. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts and attended the Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, where he led his swim team to two Florida state championship meets. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. After the events of 9/11, he was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and fought in two combat tours in Iraq. He was a Ground Intelligence Officer during the First Battle of Fallujah and led a Scout Sniper Platoon through Operation Steel Curtain.

While working in technology startups, Charleston has consistently advocated for the "next" greatest generation of Veteran leaders. He founded a company to champion homeownership for military families. He helped establish the Veteran’s Trust of South Florida to support transitioning Veterans. He held a 81-mile commemorative walk from Palm Beach to Miami for our fallen soldiers. And in 2014, Charleston testified before the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on private sector initiatives to help Veteran entrepreneurs.