| I was born in San Pedro Sula, Honduras in 1975. At the age of 7, I moved with my family to Brooklyn, NY. Brooklyn was rough back then- drugs and crime, an ongoing education and economic crisis, and ZERO public trust in our government. Yet, I overcame those struggles and learned some valuable lessons to pursue a better life. After high school, I worked odd jobs as I was training to be an auto technician but felt this calling to give back to a country and nation that had given so much to my family and to me. I answered that call and joined the world’s most powerful naval force on April 8, 1996. I served my country proudly all over the world. I joined challenging deployments in the Persian Gulf during Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, encountering and deterring Somalian Pirates, protecting the sea lanes in the 5th fleet area, and serving in other classified missions abroad. I retired in 2016 after 20 years of naval service. I earned numerous military awards and decorations for my valiant and dedicated service. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of the United States and to defend our valuable freedoms this great country continues to provide to its people. But my call to serve is not done yet. District 4 deserves a representative who is going to be rooted in the America First agenda unapologetically. Someone who will continue to build on the many policies President Trump laid the groundwork for. I am that America First Conservative and look forward to earning your support and vote over the next few months! | ||
Hello, my name is Ray Forbess, and I am running for Clay County Judge. Judge Collins is set to retire at the end of the year after three decades of public service to Clay County. Judge Collins can never be replaced, and the next elected Judge certainly has large shoes to fill. I am a resident of Green Cove Springs where I live with my wife, Sarah, and our six year old son Beau. I grew up spending time with my family at Camp Blanding and Kingsley Lake while my father was a Company Commander of the 20th Special Forces Group. I have many fond memories of spending my summers at Strickland’s Landing. I am actively involved in the community with several nonprofits: youth mentor as a baseball coach, and a Special Olympics golf coach. I graduated from the University of North Florida with an Accounting degree and earned my Juris Doctorate from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2008 where I received a Pro Bono Service Award. I continue to provide well over 150 hours of Pro Bono work every ye...