Secretary Ryan Zinke

Now Secretary Zinke, first served Montana from 2009 to 2011, as a member of the state Senate. Today he is a U.S. Representative for Montana’s at-large congressional district. During his time in office he supported the Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation to get a post 9/11 memorial on Capitol Hill. He also fought to get other memorials placed in Arlington National Cemetery.  In January 2017, President Donald Trump nominated Congressman Zinke for the position of Secretary of the Interior. Zinke’s nomination was approved by a 16-6 vote from the United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on January 31, 2017.

As a student at the University of Oregon, Congressman Zinke played football and earned a bachelor’s degree in geology. He also has an MBA and MS. A Navy SEAL from 1986 until 2008, he retired with the rank of Commander in 2008. During his time in service, Zinke was awarded two Bronze Stars for meritorious service in a combat zone, four Meritorious Service Medals, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, and an Army Commendation Medal.