State Representative Tony Tinderholt is a father, veteran, and conservative Republican from House District 94. He is currently in his second term in the Texas Legislature, representing the people of Arlington, Dalworthington Gardens, and Pantego in Tarrant County. During his service, Tinderholt has been an ardent defender of the individual rights of all Texans. He is a founding member of the Texas Freedom Caucus and serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the group. During every legislative session, Tinderholt has been ranked in the top 5 most conservative members by a nonpartisan Rice University study. He has been named a "Taxpayer Champion" by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, "Faith & Family Champion" by Texas Values, and "Courageous Conservative" by Texas Conservative Coalition. Many business, pro-life, personal responsibility, transportation, and gun rights groups have also recognized his leadership. Before his state service, Tinderholt had a decorated military career. He entered active duty Air Force in 1988 as a Spanish Cryptologic Linguist, taking part in counter drug missions throughout South and Central America. Following 9/11, he re-entered active duty, this time in the Army. Tinderholt worked as a platoon leader, executive officer, detachment commander, and recruiting commander, and even volunteered to deploy to a combat zone. At one point, he oversaw an $836 million budget and managed more than 400 personnel. In his 21 years in the armed forces, Major (Ret.) Tinderholt served many tours across several continents. He earned several badges, awards, and certifications including the Bronze Star and the Combat Action Badge. In civilian life, Tinderholt served as a Spanish professor at Columbia College in Fort Worth. He holds a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and currently works as Director of Training & Recruiting for a national financial organization. He is the proud father to his three children (Kayley, Nathan, and Tyler) and grandfather to one grandson (Jaxon). He is happily married to his wife, Bethany, a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. They are expecting a baby boy in the summer of 2018. The Tinderholt family loves to give back to their community. They have volunteered with many organizations including Spirit of Hope Arlington, Catholic Charities of Fort Worth, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, St. Jude Medical Center, and the Arlington Police Foundation. Tony, a Lutheran, and his family attend St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Southwest Arlington.