David Hart Weeks (born December 21, 1960) is an American politician, retired U.S. Navy Captain, and businessman who serves as the Vermont state senator from Rutland.[2] A Republican, Weeks was elected to the Vermont Senate in 2022, as one of three at-large senators representing the Rutland County Senate district.

David H. Weeks
Weeks in 2023
Member of the Vermont Senate
from the Rutland district
Assumed office
January 4, 2023
Preceded byCheryl Hooker
Joshua Terenzini
Personal details
Born
David Hart Weeks

(1960-12-21) December 21, 1960 (age 63)
Gales Ferry, Connecticut, US
Political partyRepublican
SpouseLeeanne M. Wootten
ChildrenJacob B. Weeks
Sarah A. Weeks
RelativesRobert H. Weeks (Father)[1]
Gerry Weeks (Mother)[1]
Education
WebsiteCampaign website
Official website
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Navy
Years of service1982-1985 (US Marines Enlisted)
1985–1997 (US Navy Active Officer)
1997–2013 (US Navy Reserve Officer)
Rank US Navy Captain
USMC Corporal
Battles/warsIraq War[1]
Cold War
AwardsLegion of Merit
Meritorious Service Medal, 4 awards
Navy Commendation Medal, 7 awards
Navy Achievement Medal, 3 awards
Presidential Unit Citation
Navy Unit Commendation
Coast Guard Unit Commendation, with Operational device
Meritorious Unit Commendation, 2 awards
Navy E Ribbon, 4 awards
USMC Selected Reserve Medal
National Defense Service Medal, 2 awards
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Southwest Asia Service Medal, 2 awards
Iraq Campaign Medal, 3 awards
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Korean Defense Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Sea Service Ribbon, 7 awards
Overseas Service Ribbon, 5 awards
Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon
Armed Forces Reserve Medal, 3 Mobilization devices
Marksmanship Medal, for pistol and rifle
Marine Expert Rifleman Insignia
Marine Expert Pistol Insignia
Surface Warfare Officer Insignia
Surface Warfare Insignia
Command Ashore Insignia
Combat Craft Insignia
Vermont Distinguished Service Medal
Vermont Veterans Medal

Early life and education

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The youngest of five siblings, Weeks was born on December 21, 1960, on the US Submarine Base near Gales Ferry, Connecticut, the son of Geraldine A. Backensto and Robert H. Weeks. His father was a U.S. Navy Captain, and businessman who served two terms in the Vermont House of Representatives from Wallingford.

David graduated from Mill River Union High School and is a graduate of the University of Vermont, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science. He later received a MBA in Project Management from University of San Diego as a Teplitz fellow, a Master of Strategic Studies from the Army War College, and a Master of Public Administration from Villanova University. David initiated PhD studies at King's College London focusing on a national security question. [3]

Military career

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Weeks first enlisted in the U.S. Marines Company B, 1st BN, 25th Marines. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy where his service included the Chief Engineer on the USS Mobile Bay. In 1997 he transitioned to the United States Navy Reserve. In the wake of the September 11 attacks, he was mobilized and deployed overseas three times, including to the Iraq/Kuwait border, where he took part in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.[1] He retired from the U.S. Navy in 2013 as a Captain.[4]

Business career

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Weeks transitioned from the active duty Navy in 1997 to pursue a career in business. He has held various high-level program management positions in the defense and security sectors within the United States, Europe, East Asia, and Middle East.[3] He specialized in leading commercial high-tech, internationally sensitive projects valued in the billions.[4]

Political career

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Weeks was elected to the Vermont Senate in 2022, as one of three at-large senators representing the Rutland County Senate district. He ran on an economic platform focusing on infrastructure and business development.[4]

He is the Vice Chair of the Senate Health/Welfare Committee, Senate Education Committee, Legislative Committee on Rules (LCAR), the School Construction Task Force, State Aid to School Construction Working Group, VT Webportal Board, and the Education Committee of Conference.[3]

Personal life

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Weeks lives in Proctor, Vermont with his wife, Leeanne Wootten. He has two adult children, Jacob and Sarah Weeks.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Vermonters in the Iraq war". rutlandherald.com. Rutland Herald. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
  2. ^ Dritschilo, Gordon. "GOP sweeps county Senate". Rutland Herald. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
  3. ^ a b c "Biography, David Weeks". Vermont General Assembly. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  4. ^ a b c "State Senate candidate: Dave Weeks". brandonreporter.com. The Reporter. Retrieved 15 November 2022.