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Steve Russell | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2017 | |
| Member of theU.S. House of Representatives fromOklahoma's5th district | |
| In office January 3, 2015 – January 3, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | James Lankford |
| Succeeded by | Kendra Horn |
| Member of theOklahoma Senate from the 45th district | |
| In office January 3, 2009 – January 8, 2013 | |
| Preceded by | Kathleen Wilcoxson |
| Succeeded by | Kyle Loveless |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Steven Dane Russell (1963-05-25)May 25, 1963 (age 62) Oklahoma City,Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 5 |
| Education | Ouachita Baptist University (BA) United States Army Command and General Staff College (MMAS) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1985–2006 |
| Rank | Lieutenant colonel |
| Unit | 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment 4th Infantry Division 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment 1st Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | Kosovo War Afghanistan War Iraq War • Operation Red Dawn |
| Awards | Legion of Merit Bronze Star (withvalor) Combat Infantryman Badge Ranger tab |
Steven Dane Russell (born May 25, 1963) is President and CEO ofJAARS, Inc. He is a retired American soldier and former politician. He served in theUnited States House of Representatives forOklahoma's 5th congressional district from 2015 to 2019, after serving in theOklahoma Senate from 2009 to 2013. Russell is a member of theRepublican Party.
Russell reached the rank oflieutenant colonel in theUnited States Army, and played a significant role in the capture ofSaddam Hussein during theIraq War. He served in the Oklahoma Senate, and ran for the House of Representatives whenJames Lankford did not run for reelection. After winning two terms in the House, Russell was defeated for re-election in 2018 byDemocratKendra Horn. After serving as Executive Pastor of First Southern Baptist Church of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma from 2019 to 2022, he assumed the position of President and CEO ofJAARS, Inc. on October 1, 2022.[1]
Russell was born on May 25, 1963, inOklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Clyde E. "Gene" Russell and Donna J. Porter Russell. Russell grew up inDel City, Oklahoma. The youngest of three, Russell nearly died at birth due to an opposite blood type with his mother.
Russell attended school at Del City Elementary and Kerr Junior High. He became a Christian reading aGideon'sNew Testament he picked up at Kerr in 1977. In 1980, Russell was an exchange student to Germany, living in Kasseedorf near Eutin in Schleswig-Holstein. Graduating fromDel City High School in 1981, Russell was President of his senior class and voted most likely to succeed.[2] After earning a four-yearArmy ROTC scholarship, Russell attendedOuachita Baptist University inArkadelphia, Arkansas. After graduating with a degree in Public Speaking, Russell was commissioned asecond lieutenant in theU.S. Armyinfantry.
Receiving his Infantry training atFort Benning,Georgia, Russell married Cindy Myers, whom he met at Ouachita, on December 21, 1985. Russell would graduate from the U.S. Army Infantry Officers' Basic Course, Airborne School, Mortar School and a year later from theU.S. Army Ranger School in Class 11–87.[3]
Russell served 21 years in airborne, light and mechanized assignments in theArctic, the desert,the Pacific, inEurope and in theContinental United States. He served more than seven years overseas and deployed operationally toKosovo,Kuwait,Afghanistan andIraq.
DuringOperation Iraqi Freedom, Russell commanded the 1st Battalion,22nd Infantry 'Regulars' and conducted combat inTikrit, Iraq from the spring of 2003 to the spring of 2004. His task force was a part of ColonelJames Hickey's 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Russell's battalion was broadly covered during the first year of the war byCNN,Fox News Channel,ABC,NBC,CBS,TIME,Associated Press andReuters. His unit was a central player in the hunt and capture ofSaddam Hussein and has been featured in theDiscovery Channel'sAce in the Hole[citation needed] and BBC Panorama's 'Saddam on the Run' documentaries. Russell has also been featured in a documentary highlighting his military life and political transition in the American Patriots Unsung series called 'Sacred Honor.'[4] Russell was also featured inTo War with the Fourth, a documentary book covering the history of the U.S. Army's Fourth Infantry Division from World War I to the Global War on Terror.
Russell is highly decorated,[5] having received theLegion of Merit, theBronze Star Medal with Valor Device[6] and Oak Leaf Cluster, theCombat Infantryman's Badge and his unit in Iraq was awarded theValorous Unit Award for its role in the hunt and capture of Saddam Hussein.[7]
Russell continued in command of the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry until June, 2005, when he was selected to become the Chief of Tactics at the US Army Infantry School at Ft. Benning, GA. Turning down aQueen's University Fellowship toKingston, Canada for theU.S. Army War College and promotion tocolonel, Russell retired as alieutenant colonel in 2006. He returned toOklahoma with his wife and five children.[citation needed]
Russell began an active veterans advocacy career upon retirement and worked closely with other veterans to bolster the soldiers voice in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He formed Vets for Victory with several decorated warriors holding rallies in several states to embolden the public to support the troops.[8] Russell also toured the country with many distinguished and highly decorated veterans such asDavid Bellavia, author ofHouse to House;Marcus Luttrell, author ofLone Survivor; Jeremiah Workman, author ofShadow of the Sword; and Sean Parnell, author ofOutlaw Platoon.[9][10]
As a motivational speaker, Russell embarked on a successful speaking career in hundreds of cities since 2007. He has been featured as akeynote speaker at such notable events as the Ring Banquet at theU.S. Air Force Academy and was honored as thePaul R. Smith Award recipient for his distinguished service in Iraq at the American Veterans Center 15th Annual Awards Gala in 2012.[11] He is managed by Premiere Speakers Bureau ofFranklin, Tennessee.[12]
Russell has also been a successful writer and author. His opinion pieces have appeared in many major publications, and he is the author ofWe Got Him!: A Memoir of the Hunt and Capture of Saddam Hussein, published bySimon & Schuster in December 2011. An earlier version of the work was published by Deeds Publishing that year. The book has received critical acclaim for its vivid portrayal of combat and the events surrounding the hunt for the Iraqi dictator and his capture.[13] It received numerous endorsements to include GeneralTommy Franks and the foreword was written by GeneralRay Odierno.
Russell also has appeared on many national television and radio shows as a military and foreign affairs commentator. In addition, he has made appearances on Spike TV'sDeadliest Warrior and four episodes ofOutdoor Channel'sGun Stories.
Russell is also the founder of Two Rivers Arms, a small rifle manufacturing business that makes copies of the Iraqi Tabuk AK-47 and Iraqi Tabuk Sniper Rifle.[14][15][16] The company built half a dozen special Iraqi rifle replicas for Clint Eastwood's filmAmerican Sniper.[17][18]
Russell began his service to the public in 2008 when he defeated four opponents in one of the most contested races in theOklahoma State Senate that year. Russell received the most votes but did not win the initial Republican primary with 42% of the vote, leading by 15 points. He won the Republican run off with 67% of the vote.[5]
As a state senator Russell authored theSoldiers Relief Act that made Oklahoma's serving military tax exempt, affecting over 50,000 soldiers and their families.[19] He also authored theSoldiers Credentialing Act, a law allowing credit for soldiers skills through direct certification rather than additional schooling allowing them to quickly enter the work force. Additionally, Russell authored a number of bills that became law related to the 2nd Amendment. Shortly after the publication of his book, Russell announced he would not seek reelection and he decided to focus on his business, public speaking and veterans advocacy.[20]
In January 2014, Russell announced he would seek the seat of theUnited States House of Representatives inOklahoma's 5th congressional district, which was being vacated byJames Lankford in his US Senate bid.[21][22] On June 24, 2014, Russell led the field in the six-way Republican Primary but did not garner enough votes to receive the nomination.[23] On Tuesday, August 26, 2014, Russell won the run-off election.[24] On November 4, 2014, Russell was elected to Congress with 60.1% of the vote, defeating Democratic State SenatorAl McCaffrey and three minor Independent candidates, Buddy Ray, Tom Boggs and Robert Murphy.[25][26]
On June 28, 2016, Russell won the Republican Primary in his bid for re-election to Congress with more than 80% of the vote, defeating Frank Volpe.[27] On November 8, 2016, Russell was elected to a second term in Congress.[28]
Russell was listed as one of the most effective lawmakers in Congress during his tenure by the Center for Effective Lawmaking. He ranked twenty-two among 245 Republicans and was in the top six in his elected class.[29]
Russell was the lead Republican sponsor with Democratic CongressmanMatt Cartwright, ofH.R. 4904 - The MEGABYTE Act of 2016, which became law on July 29, 2016, during the 114th Congress, 2nd Session (2016).[30] This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue a directive to require the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of each executive agency to develop a comprehensive software licensing policy that also allows governmental transfer of software licenses between agencies for a more cost-effective system.[31] The bill has saved an estimated $120 Million a year every year since it was signed into law.[32]
Russell was the main sponsor ofH.R. 5785, An Act to Provide for an Annuity Supplement for Certain Air Traffic Controllers, which became law on December 8, 2016, during the 114th Congress, 2nd Session (2016). This bill exempts retired air traffic controllers from a reduction to their Federal Employees Retirement System annuity supplement (on account of their earnings for work performed while entitled to the annuity after their separation from federal service) during any period in which they are employed full time as air traffic control instructors under contract with the Federal Aviation Administration.[33]
Russell was instrumental inreforming the 1982 Uniformed Spousal Protection Act of 1982. Russell's amendment to the National Defense Authorization would end the windfall in future divorce cases by directing that an ex-spouse's share of military retirement must be based on a member's grade or rank at time of divorce. The amendment won broad bi-partisan support and was signed into law on December 23, 2016.[34]
Russell was the main sponsor ofH.R. 194, Federal Agency Mail Management Act of 2017, which became law on November 21, 2017, during the 115th Congress, 1st Session (2017). This bill would require the General Services Administration (GSA) to provide guidance and assistance to federal agencies for effective mail processing, leading to a more efficient, cost-saving system.[35]
Russell's billH.R. 195, Continuing Appropriations for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2018, became law on January 22, 2018. Originally a bill to reform printing costs in publication of the Federal Register, it was expanded to provide the vehicle to end the government shutdown that year.[36]
Russell was instrumental inblocking the privatization of air traffic control. Russell's criticism of privatization extended to national security concerns as well as keeping the national airspace open to all Americans. The Federal Aviation Administration's Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center is in Oklahoma City. Russell, along with CongressmanRalph Abraham, was recognized by several national aviation organizations for their efforts and received the 2018 Hartranft Award presented by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.[37]
Russell was the main sponsor ofH.R. 6893, The Secret Service Overtime Pay Extension Act, which became law on December 21, 2018, during the 115th Congress, 2nd Session (2018). This bill extends the exemption of U.S. Secret Service officers, employees, and agents who perform protective services from the limitation on premium pay otherwise applicable to federal employees.[38]
On June 26, 2018, Russell was nominated as Republican candidate for a third term with nearly 84% of the vote.[39] However, Russell lost to Democratic opponentKendra Horn on November 6, 2018. Nearly every rating organization labeled Russell as the favorite due to him being the incumbent in a district that had not elected a Democrat in over forty years, andFiveThirtyEight gave Russell a 93 percent chance of victory.[40] Ultimately, Russell could not overcome a 9,900-vote deficit inOklahoma County, home to three–fourths of the district's population–more than three times the overall margin of 3,300 votes. His loss to Horn was a major upset and was an example of sweeping Republican losses in the House leading to a Democratic majority. It also highlighted the growing role of urban voters in typically conservative states.[41][42]
Russell returned to public speaking on leadership, decision-making and the hunt and capture of Saddam with Premiere Speakers Bureau.[43] He also became the Executive Pastor of First Southern Baptist Church in Oklahoma City.[44] Russell also founded a non-profit mission aviation organization called 'The Redeemed Flying Corps' and served as its first executive director.[45] In October 2022, Russell became the President and CEO ofJAARS, Inc., a mission aviation and support organization founded in 1948 byWilliam Cameron Townsend.[1]
Russell is a fifth-generation Oklahoman. His hobbies include teaching Sunday school, reading and studying history, playing the guitar and singing, as well as collecting military antiques and firearms. Russell is also a licensed pilot.[46] Russell has been married to the former Cindy Myers ofColumbus, Arkansas, since 1985. They have five grown children, three of whom were adopted fromHungary. They are members of First Southern Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he served as the Executive Pastor.[47]
Russell is a graduate of Del City High, Class of 1981. He was inducted into the Del City Hall of Fame in its very first class along with professional football playerBob Kalsu who was killed in Vietnam and two-time Olympic Gold MedalistJohn Smith.
Russell graduated fromOuachita Baptist University with a BA in Public Speaking. He was the president and pledge master of his fraternity and cadet corps commander of theROTC Cadets.
Russell also earned aMMAS in Military History with a focus on East Asia from theCommand and General Staff College atFort Leavenworth,Kansas, in 1998. His other military education includes the Infantry Officers Basic Course, the Armored Officers Career Course, the Combined Arms Staff School and the Battalion Commanders Course.
Russell's military skills schools include, Airborne School, Ranger School, Northern Warfare Summer and Winter Phase, Mortar School, and the Bradley Gunners and Commanders Courses.
Russell has been decorated for campaign service, meritorious achievement, and valor. His decorations include theLegion of Merit, theBronze Star Medal for valor and service, theMeritorious Service Medal (six awards), theJoint Service Commendation Medal, theArmy Commendation Medal (three awards), theArmy Achievement Medal (four awards), theNational Defense Service Medal (two awards), theArmed Forces Expeditionary Medal, theKosovo Campaign Medal, theAfghanistan Campaign Medal, theIraq Campaign Medal, theGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, theGlobal War on Terrorism Service Medal, theMilitary Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, theNATO Medal forKosovo, and Russell is a member of theMilitary Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. He was awarded theRanger Tab, theCombat Infantryman Badge and theUS Army and Korean Parachutists Badge.[48]
| Year | Office | District | Democratic | Republican | Other | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | U.S. House of Representatives | Oklahoma's 5th district | Al McAffrey | 36.32% | Steve Russell | 60.1% | Robert T. Murphy (Ind.) | 1.4% |
| 2016 | U.S. House of Representatives | Oklahoma's 5th district | Al McAffrey | 36.8% | Steve Russell | 57.1% | Zachary Knight (L) | 6.1% |
| 2018 | U.S. House of Representatives | Oklahoma's 5th district | Kendra Horn | 50.7% | Steve Russell | 49.3% | ||
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)| U.S. House of Representatives | ||
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| Preceded by | Member of theU.S. House of Representatives fromOklahoma's 5th congressional district 2015–2019 | Succeeded by |
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| Preceded byas Former U.S. Representative | Order of precedence of the United States as Former U.S. Representative | Succeeded byas Former U.S. Representative |
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