Vince McBeth was born the fourth child of Velma McBeth-Slaughter and the late Manuel M. McBeth in Camden, Arkansas.  In 1983, he graduated from Fairview High School, where his impressive athletic and academic performance earned him many honors.  He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science at the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was Captain of the Navy Football Team as well as an officer on the Brigade Staff. 

Upon receiving a commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy, McBeth completed division officer tours aboard two guided-missile frigates, USS Duncan and USS John A. Moore, and a guided-missile cruiser, USS Antietam, in Long Beach, California.  He then served as Operations Officer aboard the USS Barry in Norfolk, Virginia. 

At age 30, McBeth became one of the youngest officers to command a warship.  As Commanding Officer of the USS Tempest, McBeth commanded more than 50 special warfare missions while deployed to the European and Caribbean theaters. After earning a Master's Degree in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, McBeth returned to serve as Executive Officer of the USS Barry.  He now serves as a Commander in the U.S. Navy and the Administrative Aide to the Secretary of the Navy.  McBeth was recently appointed as a White House Fellow. 

McBeth's service to our country extends beyond his actions in the military. He has coordinated Adopt-A-School programs in several communities and implemented U.S. Embassy-sponsored community relations projects in numerous countries abroad. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals, and three Navy Achievement Medals. 

Throughout his life, McBeth has sought to better himself, his community, and his country.  He is a model for today's youth of what is possible through hard work, discipline, and most of all, compassion.  I congratulate him on his recent White House appointment, and I wish him luck in what I know will be many more selfless years of service to our great nation.