Nick Popaditch

Nicholas Allen Popaditch is a medically retired United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who gained fame as the Cigar Marine, recipient of the Silver Star and Purple Heart. He ran unsuccessfully as the 2010 Republican candidate for Californias 51st congressional district, losing to incumbent Democrat Bob Filner. He ran again in 2012 in the 53rd congressional district, losing to incumbent Democrat Susan Davis.

Popaditch was born in East Chicago, Indiana and was raised in Terre Haute, Indiana. After choosing not to take up a college scholarship, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1986, served as a tank commander, and eventually rose to the rank of Sergeant. He saw action in the first Gulf War in 1991 and was honorably discharged in 1992. In 1995, he rejoined the Corps and served with the 1st Tank Battalion at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms and later became a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.

Source: Wikipedia