ABOUT

Stephen Labate realized early in his formative years that his core values included the desire to serve his country.  Having accomplished this mission as an officer in the United States Army and Army Reserve, Stephen has now set his sights on serving his country as a member of Congress, representing New York’s Third Congressional District.
 
While attending St. John’s University, Stephen enrolled in the ROTC program; he received his B.A. in Political Science and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.  Stephen's formal military education included Military Police Basic and Advanced Courses, Airborne School and Command and General Staff College.  Stephen is currently an active member of the Army Reserve at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

As a member of the Army Reserve, Stephen has been called to Active Duty three times since the attacks of 9-11.  His most recent service was twelve months at the Pentagon as a member of the Army's Crisis Action Team.  While at the Pentagon, Stephen regularly participated in the creation of high-level briefings to the Secretary of the Army and the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army.

Stephen also served as a Force Protection Officer in one of the most heavily attacked installations in Northern Iraq.  In that capacity, he initiated counter measures to protect the 23,000 soldiers and airmen from the ongoing myriad of threats, ranging from indirect fire attacks to suicide bombers.  In support of Operation Noble Eagle II, Stephen had the distinct honor to command the soldiers of the 306th Military Police Battalion for a year-long mission.  In 2009, at a Pentagon ceremony which was hosted by the Provost Marshal General of the Army, Stephen was promoted to his current rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  
 
Stephen’s civilian profession is in financial services, where he has assisted his clients with all aspects of financing planning.  He also holds a Certified Retirement Counselor designation from the International Foundation of Retirement Education.  Stephen and his wife, Leticia, have been married eleven years and have twin six year olds. 

In addition to being an active member of the U.S. Army Reserve, Stephen is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, the Reserve Officers Association, and the National Rifle Association.
 
Stephen swore an oath to “support and defend” the Constitution and it is that oath which he will carry to Washington as a member of the United States Congress.  A change in leadership is needed, and your support will help him to VICTORY in November, 2012.