Purple Heart veteran Luke Murphy joins fight to succeed Neal Dunn

A Purple Heart veteran is the latest Republican to head into the political fray in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District.

Luke Murphy, a retired Army Sergeant, announced he’s running to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn. He shared stories of combat experience as he prepares to fight for the GOP nomination as an outsider.

“Career politicians in Washington don’t know anything about sacrifice. I did two tours in Iraq and both times I came home without some of my friends,” Murphy said.

“Those patriots believed in the idea of America, and they did not lay down their lives so weak politicians could bankrupt our grandkids’ future, ship our jobs overseas, and allow tens of millions of people to invade our country. President Trump understands this and he has those career politicians on the ropes. Change is underway. America is shining brighter than ever before and our best days are ahead.”

Murphy served in the National Guard from age 17, but was inspired after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001 to enlist in the Army and volunteer for infantry. He later was deployed to Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division, doing tours during the invasion in 2003 and returning as part of a nine-man reconnaissance team in 2005 and 2006.

The amputee also shared his own story about the most prominent scar from his time in uniform. He documented his experience in the memoir “Blasted By Adversity: The Making of a Wounded Warrior.” He has also shared his story through a campaign for the Florida Medical Association.

“In April 2006, while leading a nine-man infantry reconnaissance team in Baghdad, Iraq, my life changed forever. Our Humvee hit an Iranian-made IED which immediately severed my right leg from my body and severely damaged my left leg. Forty-one surgeries and a second chance at life later I am still here by the grace of God,” Murphy said.

“I always knew I wanted to serve. It’s what led me to kicking down doors and chasing bad guys in one of the most dangerous places on earth in the first place. Some people think I lost my leg for this country. The truth is I didn’t lose it — I know exactly where it went. I gave my leg for this country because America was, is and will always be worth sacrificing for.”

Since his medical retirement, Murphy became a public speaker, and has spoken at rallies for President Donald Trump.

He enters a growing Republican Primary field that already includes lawyer Keith Gross; business owner Nicholas Lewis; Republican Party of Florida Chair Evan Power; Austin Rogers, the former General Counsel for U.S. Sen. Rick Scott; and law enforcement veteran Audie Rowell.