Chris Wakim
Chris Wakim | |
|---|---|
| Member of the West Virginia House of Delegates from the 3rd district | |
| In office 2003–2007 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Christopher Wakim[1] December 19, 1957 West Virginia, U.S.[2] |
| Political party | Republican |
| Residence | Wheeling, West Virginia |
| Alma mater | United States Military Academy Harvard Extension School |
Chris Wakim (born December 19, 1957)
During his 11-year Army career, Wakim attained the rank of captain, along the way suffering a broken back, crushed elbow, and reconstructed knee while an infantry officer. He now has disabled veteran status. Wakim has not provided specific details about how the accidents occurred.[3]
His father is orthopedic surgeon Paul Wakim.
2006 campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives
Wakim was unsuccessful in defeating incumbent Democrat Alan Mollohan in the West Virginia 1st Congressional district. The NRCC saw Mollohan's seat as being vulnerable because of allegations over his financial disclosures, investment gains, and use of earmarks.
Wakim's campaign was supported by top Republican leadership in 2006. Vice President Dick Cheney, Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, and Representative Roy Blunt (R-MO) assisted in the unsuccessful campaign. By July 1, 2006, Wakim had $318,000 cash-on-hand.[3]
Controversies
In August 2006, Wakim's opponent questioned the accuracy of biography and curriculum vitae was brought into question, specifically Wakim's specific college degrees and combat veteran status during the Persian Gulf War.[3]
Gulf War veteran
Wakim’s claim that he is a "Gulf War veteran" has been challenged. "To be considered a veteran of the first Gulf War, one must receive the
In a 2006 interview with the Arab American Institute, Wakim discussed the details of his Gulf War service, saying his background as an Arab-American and his education were valuable to the Army. "My company specialized in desert warfare, and certainly that was a timely specialty because of the first Gulf War," he said. “I lent my expertise as a desert fighter to develop our fighting force. …I can tell you from personal experience that once the first bullet is shot, the best-laid plans usually go by the wayside."[5]
See also
Notes
- ^ "Christopher Wakim". West Point Association of Graduates. Retrieved 2022-05-24.
- ^ a b Register of Graduates and Former Cadets, United States Military Academy. West Point, New York: Association of Graduates U.S.M.A. 1989. p. 884. Retrieved 2022-05-24.
- ^ a b c "Mollohan foe defends Harvard degree, military-service record". Archived from the original on 2006-08-06. Retrieved 2006-08-02.
- ^ "The Raw Story | Candidate 'war veteran' and 'Harvard degree' claims challenged". Archived from the original on 2008-09-04. Retrieved 2006-08-02.
- ^ "The Arab American News". Archived from the original on 2006-07-09. Retrieved 2006-08-03.
External links
- Chris Wakim for Congress website
- Democrat Leaves Ethics Panel (The Washington Post)
- "Arab American veteran wants to represent W. VA district" The Arab American News
- "Candidate’s military resume questioned" by Rick Maze, Army Times
- Candidate 'war veteran' and 'Harvard degree' claims challenged Archived 2008-09-04 at the Wayback Machine
- "Candidate’s H-Bomb Questioned" "The Harvard Crimson"
- "Mollohan foe defends Harvard degree, military-service record" The Hill