Republican Rundown - 7/8/22

Chris was raised to believe in God, patriotism, hard work, and public service. He attended Christian schools, graduating from Saint Francis Preparatory High School and later went on to Saint John's University. Chris worked full-time to put himself through college until receiving an Army ROTC scholarship. He graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor's Degree in Government and Politics and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry.

Chris reported to Fort Benning, Georgia, to attend the Infantry Officer Basic Course and Ranger School. Upon completion of Airborne Ranger training, he was assigned to the 10^th Mountain Division in combat in Mogadishu, Somalia. Within six hours of arriving on the ground, he was leading men under fire in combat. The experience of leading men in battle early in his career had a profound effect on Chris, reinforcing his faith and values, and helping define his character as a leader, man, husband and father.

Upon being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 2008, he was requested to serve in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for the Assistant Secretary for Special Operations, located at the Pentagon. As a senior military advisor, he was a subject matter expert on Colombia and Afghanistan. His work included preparing senior defense officials for key engagements, writing strategic campaign plans, and classified intelligence reports. Chris routinely conducted briefings at the White House and served as a liaison to the U.S. Congress, U.S. Senate, and intelligence community.

Following his assignment to the Pentagon, Chris was requested to be the Command Inspector General for the U.S. Army Special Forces Command until his retirement in 2012. Upon his retirement, Chris was awarded the Legion of Merit for his service to our nation.

Transitioning to civilian life, Chris started two small businesses that provided logistics services to the public and private sector while focusing on his family and supporting veterans' causes and his community. Most recently, Chris helped his brother, an ordained Baptist minister, plant a church with a congregation of over 2,000 members in Spring Hill, Florida. He has also helped nonprofits organize and plan evacuation operations for American and Afghan civilians trying to leave Afghanistan.

Chris has been married for 19 years to his wife, Dr. Sharon Castelli, who is a 21-year U.S. Air Force veteran and currently the superintendent of a charter school system in Asheboro, NC. They have three children and are active members of the Randolph County community and their church.

UPCOMING PRECINCT EVENTS

Join the precinct leadership in July for their first round of summer precinct events. Whether you are a precinct captain or just have an interest in learning more about your local precincts; all are welcome! All events will be located at FCGOP headquarters: 300 Jonestown Road, Suite 10 Winston-Salem, NC

The 2022 election HQ is open for pop-in visits during the hours specified below.  Additional hours will be added once the general election season gets underway. If you are interested in volunteering at headquarters, please email [email protected] - you can volunteer as little or as much that works for your schedule! We would love to have you involved!

The street address is:

300 Jonestown Rd.  Suite 10
Winston-Salem, NC 27103

After parking in the lot, you can reach the 2nd floor office suite location by using the stairwell on the left side of the building (when facing the building).

Did you miss a Republican Rundown or want to get caught up on news through the week?  Make sure to visit:  https://forsyth.nc.gop/news