Mast, Brian, 1980-

Brian Jeffery Mast (born July 10, 1980) is an American politician. A member of the Republican Party, he has served as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 18th congressional district since 2017.

Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he graduated from South Christian High School in Byron Center, Michigan in 1999. After graduation, Mast enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in May 2000 and went to become a combat engineer. In 2006, he transitioned to the active U.S. Army and became an explosive ordnance disposal technician. Mast later joined the elite 28th Ordnance Company, a special operations explosive ordnance disposal unit that works alongside personnel of the 75th Ranger Regiment. He served in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. On September 19, 2010, while clearing a path for United States Army Rangers in Kandahar, Mast stepped on an IED along the road. The explosion resulted in the amputation of both his legs and his left index finger. During his twelve years of service in the U.S. Army, he received the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal with "V" for valor device.

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