Posted on 07/01/2006 2:48:37 PM PDT by LdSentinal
Chris Wakim is driven by many elements from his background: his education at West Point Military Academy, his service in the U.S. Army, and most importantly, his Arab American heritage. All of these elements have propelled him to a life of incredible success.
At each phase of his life, however, Wakim has had to confront challenges. Whether it was leading his fellow soldiers in the Gulf War or building and managing a million-dollar investment portfolio, Wakim has responded with unquestionable success and determination.
Among his most recent challenges, Wakim was asked by his state's Republican Party to represent the 3rd District of West Virginia. It was this move that launched Wakim's life in politics, and now has him poised to potentially become the second Arab American congressman from West Virginia.
"Like most Arabs, I had the tendency to be somewhat opinionated, so one day someone came to me and said, 'You need to run for state office'," recalls Wakim, the grandson of Lebanese immigrants.
Although he felt his plain-spoken nature precluded him from a life of public service, Wakim went on to win two consecutive terms in the West Virginia House of Delegates.
Now, that same sense of duty is driving him in his next quest. Wakim's success in the West Virginia House of Delegates has given him the opportunity to run for higher office. Wakim was pleasantly surprised when he was approached by the Republican Party to run for the congressional seat belonging to longtime incumbent Alan Mollohan (D-WV). Aware that unseating an incumbent was difficult, Wakim initially expressed reservations.
"I said, 'Well that's all well and good, but Mollohan has been in office for many years, his father was there … it's a kind of dynasty'," says Wakim. "Well they came back and replied, 'Well that's why you need to run'."
Since the decision to run, Wakim has mounted a fierce campaign against his opponent, raising more money than any other candidate in Mollohan's last 12 terms. Additionally, Wakim has sought to distinguish himself and his campaign from most other such efforts: He's striving to run a campaign focused solely on the issues. On the foreign policy front, Wakim supports the Bush Administration's democracy initiatives in the Middle East, hoping that these policies will help to stabilize emerging democracies in the region. On the domestic front, Wakim wants his campaign to reflect the very ideas he is championing: honesty in government, limiting government spending while maintaining fiscal responsibility, tax breaks and incentives and reducing excessive regulation. Representing the people of West Virginia is a "sacred honor" for Wakim. In his role as a congressman, Wakim wants to be viewed with pride by his constituents. He wants to lead his community based on the ideals he learned at West Point: duty, honor, and country.
Wakim's rise to national office is not unprecedented in West Virginia. With an Arab American population of just over five thousand, West Virginia has already produced one Arab American Congressman, Democrat Nick Rahall.
The grandson of Lebanese immigrants, Wakim's family history embodies what he passionately describes as the "American Dream." Wakim's grandparents immigrated to the U.S. in the 1920s. With $100 in his pocket, Wakim's grandfather moved to West Virginia to open a confectionary and a bar - the latter of which is still open for business. Wakim's father and uncles would all go on to serve honorably in World War II.
"My father and his brother were very patriotic," Wakim says. "As you may know most Arabs are patriotic. They leave a region that was oppressive and come to a country where they experience massive opportunity."
Acting on a sense of patriotic duty Wakim to entered West Point, the prestigious military academy located in New York. He was commissioned into the Army after graduating in 1980. "I felt an obligation as a young boy to follow my heritage," Wakim says.
Wakim served in the Army for 11 years, commanding a mechanized infantry company in the 4th Division. His Arab American background, education and military training proved especially valuable during the first Gulf War.
"My company specialized in desert warfare, and certainly that was a timely specialty because of the first Gulf War," he says. "I lent my expertise as a desert fighter to develop our fighting force."
After his command, the Army facilitated Wakim’s graduate studies, allowing him to pursue a Master's of Arts degree at Harvard University. Due to injuries sustained in the line of duty, Wakim was medically discharged and entered civilian life.
Never forgetting his roots, Wakim soon returned to West Virginia to raise his family and pursue a career in retail investment. After residing in the area for a short while, Wakim purchased residential properties and owned and operated a strip mall. However, his time spent exclusively in the private sector did not last long, and he eventually sought and won a seat in the state's House of Delegates. During his tenure, Wakim was instrumental in passing medical malpractice and tort reform, with the hope of making the business environment friendlier for outside investors. "When you remove the impediments for individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit to develop their skills to the fullest extent, you will have a nice and vibrant economy," says Wakim.
Heritage held closely
Despite his education, military service and status as a community leader, Wakim has felt the sting of bigotry because of his heritage. Nonetheless, he understands that this is not representative of the country he has fought for.
"I tend to ignore [such attacks], and know that that’s not the America I know. … Most Americans are very honorable and tolerant," Wakim says.
Wakim shares many of the feelings of his fellow Arab Americans, particularly in the area of foreign policy. He knows that Congress must do all it can to promote democracy in the Middle East.
Indeed, Wakim's experiences in the first Gulf War have provided him with a unique view on the current war in Iraq, including reacting to unexpected consequences of military action. As a result, he acknowledges the inherent challenges of Iraq.
"I can tell you from personal experience that once the first bullet is shot, the best-laid plans usually go by the wayside,” he says.
Although Iraq appears increasingly tumultuous, Wakim remains positive about U.S. policy toward the country and the region. "The President's overall strategic plan to fight terrorism and develop the Middle East … is the best way to keep our people safe and free," he says.
Wakim's service as a young captain also influenced his current thoughts on terrorism. He feels that the U.S. must eliminate terrorism at it its source, achievable not only military through force, but also through economic development. By doing so, "We can protect our people here, and we can protect our people overseas," he says.
Greater ethnic
participation needed
Wakim understands the urgent need for Arab Americans to participate in the democratic process.
"I think that Arab Americans need to become involved, not only in their communities, not only in their state governments, but they must also become involved in Congress," Wakim says.
Wakim is proud of his Arab heritage, and feels that the values he holds are the very same values held by a majority of Americans. In addition, he believes his abilities as a leader will help to foster a successful career of service in Congress, and in promoting the interests of West Virginia.
On his upcoming election, Wakim feels humbled by the opportunity, and blessed with a sacred honor to represent the people of his district, as well as the Arab American community as a whole.
Republican, Vet, West Virginian -the same as me!
Christians too?
The fact that he is Arab is irrelevant. The pertinent question is, Is he Muslim?
He's lucky that the "grand kleagle" of the West Virginia Ku Klux Klan, bobbie byrd, didn't get ahold of his family back in the thirties. "Sheets" didn't know an african from an arab back in those days.
Lebanese Americans are usually Christian, though it doesn't say.
I had a Battery Commander who was Lebanese. He was a Methodist or Prespeterian(sp). The key is his first name. Chris. How many muslims name their children Chris? Not many. They might get their heads cut off.
His first name is Christopher.
He's Catholic...see the link...
http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=MWV71356
How can this be? According to the Left, all Republicans are evil, knuckle-dragging racists.
Even if he's a Muslim, I'm cool with his candidacy. Radical Islam is no more a true reflection of that faith than the witch burners and clinic bombers are a reflection of Christianity.
Rep Charles Boutany (R - 7th District of Louisiana) is of Christian Lebanese heritage.
This sounds like a great American. May he win.
He should LOSE if he is a Muslim. Would we have put a person of the Nazi Party in office in WWII?
But, he claim Catholicism. As long as he doesn't become a shill for CAIR, he should be OK with me.
If I recall, Arabs came to America around the Civil War and mostly settled in the South, mostly in Mississippi and Louisiana. They were mostly merchants and steamboat operators.
The odds are strongly in favor of his being Christian, especially since his family emigrated here in the 20's. Like most Arab Christian immigrants, primarily before the muslim onslaught to our shores over the past 30 years, they left their homelands because of...gee, I wonder why? Could it have been muslim prejudice (at a minimum)or outright terror and slavery? Things never change. It would be wonderful if the MSM asked of the Christian Arabs in this country if they are happy to see the peace loving muslims emigrate here....well, MSM, I'm waiting......
Who called you a Nazi?
I sure didn't!
No, no- of course not.
What I meant to say was "No, we wouldn't have elected a Nazi- but should we have elected. . ."
And even if you had, I'm used to it. Because I'm 6'2 with light skin, blond hair, and blue eyes, folks assume I'm some kind of evil monster. In point of fact, I'm only 1/4 German ancestry, not "pure" anything, and 100% American.
Exactly!!!!
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