Candidate: Charles Gambaro Jr

Charles A. Gambaro, Jr. was born in Titusville, Florida on March 15, 1978. Charles is the son of Colonel Charles Gambaro and Haydeé Gambaro. Charles A. Gambaro, Jr. was raised in Oviedo, Florida. Charles is a 1996 graduate of Oviedo High School and a 1999 graduate of the University of Florida with a B.A. in Political Science and a B.A. in History. From an early age Charles has been involved in the community through many leadership capacities. Charles served as the Oviedo High School Student Body President and he is a former Seminole County 4-Her who was actively involved in the 4-H program at the county, district, state, and national levels. Charles is a Distinguished Military Graduate from the University of Florida Army ROTC program and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Transportation Corps in 1999. Charles entered active duty on January 7, 2000 and was assigned to the 6th Transportation Battalion, 7th Transportation Group at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Charles served as a Platoon Leader and Production Control Officer for the 558th Transportation Company. In June 2003, Charles was assigned to serve as the 6th Transportation Battalion Operations Officer, responsible for the battalion’s current and future operational missions. In January 2003, Charles was deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where he helped lead the 6th Transportation Battalion in hauling over one million miles of equipment in preparation for Operation Iraqi Freedom. On March 20, 2003, Charles commanded a three hundred and fifty five vehicle convoy into Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division’s invasion force. Charles was instrumental in establishing the first logistical support base in Iraq in support of the combat offensive campaign. On May 18, 2003, Colonel Gambaro had the opportunity to be present in Iraq for the promotion of his son to Captain. This event marked a rare occurrence of a father and a son serving in a combat zone during the same exact time period. While in Iraq, newly promoted Captain Gambaro, helped lead his battalion in hauling over three million miles of equipment to the combat ground forces. He also spearheaded the opening of cargo operations at Tallil Airfield and Baghdad International Airport. Charles returned with the 6th Transportation Battalion on July 4, 2003 and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Action Badge for his service. Charles continues to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves where he uses his experience to train and mentor leaders that are deploying into combat. Charles is married to the former Miss Paige Miller and has a three-year-old daughter. In his civilian career, Charles is a manager with one of the largest service corporations in America. Charles and his family moved to Palm Coast in March of 2006. Charles is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Administration Program at the University of Central Florida. On November 7, 2006, Charles was elected to the Flagler County Soil and Water Conservation District. In February of 2007, Charles was elected Chairman, of the Flagler County Soil and Water Conservation District by his peers. On June 20, 2007 Charles was appointed by Governor Charlie Crist to serve as a member of the Flagler County School Board. Charles is dedicated to serving his country and his community through public service. Professional Affiliations: Florida School Board Association National School Board Association Certified Master School Board Member National School Board Association Hispanic Caucus National Association of Latino Elected Officials Military Officer Association of America Reserve Officer Association of America Hispanic American Club of Palm Coast Website: www.charliegambarojr.com