The Reindeer Congressman Kerry Bentivolio
The Honorable Kerry Bentivolio BIO
The Honorable Kerry Bentivolio was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2012 and served in the 113th United States Congress (2013-15) where he was rated as the second “Most Transparent” member out of 435 members and the “Most Transparent” of the newly elected class of representatives. He was one of eight members of the 113th Congress who scored 100% for cutting government waste with an overall conservative voting record of 93% (as measured by 15 watch dog groups in Washington, D. C.). 85% of the Bills he submitted to the House came from ideas and suggestions submitted by his constituents. He passed three pieces of legislation with 100% bi-partisan support in his short two-year term. He lost his re-election primary to the notorious Foreclosure King David Trott after Trott’s campaign spent a record $4.3 Million.
The Honorable Kerry Bentivolio has more than twenty years’ experience as a teacher in adult (military) education and as a conservative teacher in both private and public high schools. He has a master’s degree in Education and a B. A. degree with five undergraduate majors. He was licensed and certified as a “highly qualified” teacher in both secondary general education in English and History and vocational education in Computer Aided Design (CAD) with the State of Michigan and the high school where he was employed.
The Honorable Kerry Bentivolio served in the U. S. Army and Michigan Army National Guard for more than twenty-five-years with service in both Vietnam (70-71) and Iraq (07) in the combat arms. He received more than 27 awards for military service and gallantry.
After leaving office Congressman Bentivolio worked as a substitute teacher at a Hillsdale Charter School and a Home School network. He is presently working as the CEO of Centurion International Services, LLC providing executive protection services, forensic accounting, and corporate services for the investigation and prevention of industrial espionage and theft.
Congressman Bentivolio lives in Milford, Michigan where he raised his two children, Kristin Lee, and son Kevin with his wife of 45 years, Karen, a retired R. N.
He has four grandchildren, the eldest two grandchildren attend Detroit Country Day and the younger two attend a Hillsdale Charter School in Plymouth, Michigan
He received notoriety as a reindeer rancher congressman for his part-time family business which purchased, raised, and trained live reindeer to pull a sleigh on wheels for more than 800 holiday parades, community park and recreation Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, Country Club, National Guard events and private parties for more than twenty years. He was often referred to as the Reindeer farmer congressman.
BIO FACTS
EDUCATION
Master’s in education degree
B.A. degree with five undergraduate majors
Certified Military Instructor in Artillery and MOUT (SWAT) operations
Formerly licensed and certified “Highly Qualified” by the State of Michigan in secondary education (high School) in English and History.
Formerly licensed and certified “Highly Qualified” by the State of Michigan in Vocational Education, Computer Aided Design (CAD)
MILITARY
SGT E5, Combat Infantry rifleman, Republic of Vietnam (1970-71)
SGT E5 105mm Howitzer & MLRS Crew Chief, Military Police S2
SFC E7, Artillery (MLRS), served as a platoon sergeant, military artillery instructor, battalion master gunner Michigan Army National Guard.
SFC E7, U. S. Army, Operations Sergeant for Combat Convoy missions in Iraq (2007)
According to official records, as a Michigan Army National Guard service member the Honorable Kerry Bentivolio served on three occasions representing the Army National Guard in the US/UK Exchange program at the Salisbury Plain Military Train Center in England and in Wales with the 101 Royal Artillery.
According to official military records, as a service member the Honorable Kerry Bentivolio was awarded more than 27 awards for gallantry in combat and service. The awards include the Combat Infantry Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, and numerous other awards.
CIVILIAN EXPERIENCE
Automotive Designer with American Motors, Ford, and Fisher Body division of GM.
Part-time Home Builder
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
As a member of the 113th United States Congress the Honorable Kerry Bentivolio received the following ratings from conservative watchdog groups for his votes in Congress.
FREEDOM WORKS 95% A
HERITAGE FOUNDATION/HERITAGE ACTION 83% B
AMERICAN CONSERVATIVE UNION (CPAC) 92% A
COUNCIL FOR CITIZENS AGAINST GOVERNMENT WASTE (CCAGW) 100% A
CONSERVATIVE REVIEW 83% B
CLUB FOR GROWTH 91% A
In addition, the Honorable Kerry Bentivolio’s Congressional office earned two awards for constituent Services.
As quoted in the October 2014 Congressional Record, a House historian said, the Honorable Kerry Bentivolio, “is the most effective and successful freshman congressman in recent memory for having passed three pieces of legislation with 100% bi-partisan support.” His Safe and Secure Federal Websites Act had a record number of 126 co-sponsors for a freshman congressman.
“Congressman Bentivolio is the standard all elected officials should try and emulate.” Richard Piwko, Candidate for Congress
“I want to be as transparent as Congressman Bentivolio”, Ryan Berman, Michigan State Representative & candidate for Michigan Attorney General.
“Congressman Bentivolio had the best record representing American values in Congress of any of the other members of the Michigan delegation.” William Hartman