CONTRIBUTE

Bryan Lentz is a former Airborne Ranger, prosecutor, Iraq War veteran and legislator with the experience, leadership and integrity to fight for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District. He served our country with distinction in the 82nd Airborne Division and among his official commendations is the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Bronze Star for Service.

Born and raised in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Bryan was taught early the importance of service to his country, his Commonwealth and his community. A fourth generation Army veteran, Bryan attended Valley Forge Military College. He received a full Army scholarship to attend Georgetown University. Following his graduation, Bryan was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army infantry. He was ultimately assigned to the Second Battalion of the 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg after completing the Infantry Officers Basic Course and U.S. Army Ranger School.

Bryan’s overseas assignments include the war in Iraq, tours with Multi-National Force and Observers, and NATO peacekeeping missions in the Sinai Peninsula and Bosnia. Bryan held several leadership positions throughout his service. He commanded two rifle platoons and an 81mm mortar platoon while in the 82nd Airborne Division. In Bosnia, Bryan oversaw millions of dollars in infrastructure development, including the first-ever Russian-Romanian-Muslim-Serbian joint bridge. In Iraq, Lentz commanded a Civil Affairs Unit responsible for rebuilding infrastructure and developing civil governance in the northern city of Mosul.

Bryan earned several commendations for his service, including the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Bronze Star for Service.

In his civilian life, Bryan earned a law degree from Temple University and served six years as a prosecutor with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, prosecuting gang members, rapists and other violent offenders.

In 2006, Bryan took on a 28-year Republican incumbent for a seat in the Pennsylvania House, winning with 51.5 percent of the vote. He handily won re-election to represent the 161st Legislative District in 2008.

    During his first year in office, Bryan voted
    to end the secretive midnight voting that
    led to the infamous pay raise; he
    supported comprehensive open-records
    reform to make our state government
    more transparent; and he has never, and
    will never, vote himself a pay raise. In
    fact, Bryan has repeatedly donated his
    cost of living adjustment to the Salvation
    Army.

Bryan is a member of the Appropriations Committee, as well as the Judiciary, Transportation and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committees. During his time in the Pennsylvania House, Bryan has fought tirelessly to create jobs, promote green technology and provide excellent service to his constituents. Bryan has been a vocal advocate for veterans, honoring their service and ensuring that they have adequate job training and opportunities available to them upon their return home. Inspired by his experience in rebuilding Iraq's infrastructure, Bryan has focused on renewable energy, believing that our energy policy is directly related to our national security.

Bryan, his wife, Jennifer, and their son, Thomas, live in Swarthmore and are proud to call Delaware County home.

Click here to read an interesting article about Bryan and his military service in the News of Delaware County.