Ed Brandt Appointed to Fill Term on RMCC Board

During the August board meeting of the Republican Men’s Club of Collier County, Ed Brandt was appointed to fill a term for board member Tim West. West had to resign due to other commitments that unexpectedly came up that will require his attention.

You may recognize Brandt as the photographer at the meetings this year. His assistance has been appreciated in assisting in the RMCC efforts to create awareness of our club.

In addition, Ed Brandt registered to run for Collier Mosquito Control District, Seat 2.

Ed Brandt Bio

Ed Brandt currently serves as the Pastor for Lely Presbyterian Church, Naples, Florida.  An ordained Presbyterian Minister, Ed has served churches in Pennsylvania, Delaware, California, and Michigan ranging in sizes from 50 to 2200.  He and his wife Jane moved to Florida following a 32-year career in the National Guard.  He retired from the National Guard in May 2020 from his last duty assignment in Arlington, Virginia as the Chief Chaplain, National Guard Bureau, and United States Army Deputy Chief of Chaplains, Army National Guard. He provided religious advice to the Chief, National Guard Bureau and served as liaison to the United States Army Chief of Chaplains.  He retired at the rank of Brigadier General.

Prior to deploying to Iraq in 2008, Ed served churches full-time.  While in Iraq, he served as a Brigade Chaplain providing pastoral care and worship to over 1200 Soldiers. For his service in Iraq, Ed received the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service. Upon returning home, he continued service as a Chaplain at the National Guard Bureau, Arlington, Virginia, and then as State Chaplain for Delaware.  In 2017 he was selected as United States Army Deputy Chief of Chaplains, Army National Guard and in 2018 selected as Chief Chaplain, National Guard Bureau.  He was honored to serve as the guest preacher for the 2019 annual Easter Sunrise Service at Arlington National Cemetery.   Ed continues to be in high demand as a public speaker.

Ed serves on a number of Non-profit Boards including: ThanksUSA, an organization dedicated to providing scholarships to children of Service Members; Alumni Board of Governors for the University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio; National Guard Youth Foundation, Washington, D.C.; OneMoreDay, a Suicide Prevention Organization; Chapel of the Four Chaplains, Philadelphia, PA; and is a former member of the Board of Trustees Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and a former Adjunct Professor for Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.  Ed is a member of the Pelican Bay Rotary Club, Naples, Florida and a member of the Collier County Veterans Council, Naples.   He recently spoke at the Naples Memorial Day Event and was the featured speaker at AVOW Armed Forces Day Observance.

Awards and honors include Outstanding Alumni, University of Findlay; and the Moss Award from Lancaster Theological Seminary presented for distinguished service in the practice of specialized ministry. He was one of the Commencement Speakers for the University of Findlay in May 2021.

Ed’s academic degrees include a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, a Doctor of Ministry from Lancaster Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Findlay. He received a certificate from the Homeland Defense Seminar, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts.

He is a lifelong Republican and looks forward to being involved in the community continuing decades of community service in his life.

Ed is married to the former Jane Stewart.  Ed is the father of three children and Jane and Ed spend time spoiling their three grandchildren and reside in Naples, Florida with their Akita named Brownie.  Ed currently serves as the Pastor for Lely Presbyterian Church, Naples Florida.