Steve Russell

Steven Dane Russell is a former U.S. Representative who served Oklahoma's 5th congressional district from 2015 to 2019. A member of the Republican Party, Russell's political career followed a distinguished military service in the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel. He is known for his involvement in the capture of Saddam Hussein during the Iraq War. After his tenure in Congress, Russell transitioned to a leadership role in the nonprofit sector and continues to engage in veterans' advocacy and public speaking.

Early life and career

Steve Russell was born on May 25, 1963, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Clyde E. "Gene" Russell and Donna J. Porter Russell. He grew up in Del City, Oklahoma, as the youngest of three siblings. His early life was marked by a significant health challenge; he nearly died at birth due to a blood type incompatibility with his mother. Russell attended local schools, including Del City Elementary and Kerr Junior High, where he became a Christian after reading a Gideon's New Testament in 1977.

In 1980, Russell participated in an exchange program that took him to Germany, where he lived in Kasseedorf near Eutin in Schleswig-Holstein. He graduated from Del City High School in 1981, where he was recognized as the president of his senior class and was voted "most likely to succeed." Following high school, Russell earned a four-year Army ROTC scholarship to attend Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He graduated with a degree in Public Speaking and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army infantry.

House tenure

Russell's military career began with rigorous training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He married Cindy Myers, whom he met at Ouachita Baptist University, in December 1985. His military education included graduation from the U.S. Army Infantry Officers' Basic Course, Airborne School, Mortar School, and Ranger School, where he completed his training in Class 11–87. Over a span of 21 years, Russell served in various airborne, light, and mechanized assignments across diverse environments, including the Arctic, desert, Pacific, Europe, and within the Continental United States. He spent more than seven years stationed overseas, with deployments to Kosovo, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Russell commanded the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry, participating in combat operations in Tikrit, Iraq, from the spring of 2003 to the spring of 2004. His battalion played a pivotal role in the hunt and capture of Saddam Hussein, a mission that garnered extensive media coverage. Russell's military service earned him numerous accolades, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device and Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. His unit was also recognized with the Valorous Unit Award for its contributions during the operation.

After concluding his command in June 2005, Russell was appointed as the Chief of Tactics at the U.S. Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He declined a fellowship opportunity in Canada for the U.S. Army War College and opted for retirement, leaving the military in 2006 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Following his retirement, Russell returned to Oklahoma with his wife and five children.

Russell's post-military career included a strong focus on veterans' advocacy. He actively worked to amplify the voices of veterans regarding the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He co-founded Vets for Victory, organizing rallies to encourage public support for military personnel. Additionally, he became a motivational speaker, traveling extensively across the country and participating in notable events such as the Ring Banquet at the U.S. Air Force Academy. His contributions to veterans' issues were recognized when he received the Paul R. Smith Award for distinguished service in Iraq at the American Veterans Center's Annual Awards Gala in 2012.

Legislative focus and committees

Russell's political career began in the Oklahoma Senate, where he served from 2009 to 2013 before running for the U.S. House of Representatives. He entered the race for the 5th congressional district after incumbent James Lankford chose not to seek re-election. Russell successfully won election to the House in 2014 and began his first term in January 2015. He was re-elected for a second term in 2016.

During his time in Congress, Russell was involved in various legislative initiatives and served on multiple committees. His military background informed his approach to national security and veterans' affairs, and he often advocated for policies that supported military personnel and their families. Russell's tenure in the House included participation in discussions on defense spending, military readiness, and veteran services.

Despite his efforts in Congress, Russell faced challenges in the political landscape. In 2018, he ran for re-election but was defeated by Democratic candidate Kendra Horn. Following his departure from Congress on January 3, 2019, Russell continued to engage in public service and advocacy.

After leaving office, Russell served as the Executive Pastor of First Southern Baptist Church of Oklahoma City from 2019 to 2022. In October 2022, he took on the role of President and CEO of JAARS, Inc., an organization that focuses on providing services to support Bible translation and language development efforts worldwide.

Throughout his career, Russell has maintained a commitment to veterans' issues and public speaking. He has authored opinion pieces for various publications and wrote a memoir detailing his experiences during the hunt and capture of Saddam Hussein, which has received recognition for its narrative of military operations. Russell's contributions to both military service and public life reflect a dedication to leadership and advocacy for those who serve in the armed forces.