A fourth-generation Idaho native ...
From working on the family farm as a boy to a tour in Iraq with the United States Marine Corps, Vaughn has walked a mile in our shoes.

Vaughn strongly believes in the good will and values of Idaho families.  He knows that we need a leader who will stand up for what’s right for our beloved state.  We deserve a leader who will fight to cut taxes responsibly, protect the life of the unborn, and defend our values.  It is his dedication to service and to our families that is calling Vaughn to serve us in Congress.

Learning the Values of Hardwork ...
The son of a single mother, Vaughn spent most of his years on the family farm in Shoshone, Idaho.  It was during this time that he developed his strong work ethic and learned the value of dependability.  Like many teenage boys, Vaughn also loved football, and in the fall of 1988, attended Boise State, where he graduated with a degree in political science and played on the varsity football team.

In 1992, Vaughn volunteered on the U.S. Senate campaign of Dirk Kempthorne.  Following that victory, Vaughn accepted a position as a Legislative Aide on Kempthorne’s staff in Washington, D.C., and worked on commerce, defense, energy, transportation, and veterans' issues for the people of Idaho.

Duty and Honor to Country ...
Continuing his family’s tradition of military service, Vaughn entered the Marine Corps in 1995.  As a 2nd Lieutenant, Ward led and served with the Marines on missions in Liberia, Cuba, Japan, and Korea.  Lieutenant Ward was transferred in 1998 and served as a military Fellow in the United States Senate where he worked on variety of budgetary and national security policy issues.

In 1999, preparing for his return to Idaho, Vaughn began a Master's in Business Administration program at the University of Maryland.  He was in Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001 and decided that after receiving his degree in the spring of 2002, he needed to delay his move back home in order to serve his nation once more during a time of war.  He went on to join the CIA where he was trained as an Operations Officer and served in the Middle East, Africa, and Washington, D.C.  He worked closely with senior government officials from the U.S. and multiple foreign countries to combat the Taliban and Al Qaeda.

In January 2006, Vaughn took a leave of absence from the CIA and volunteered to serve on active duty with the Marines for a tour in Iraq.  He assumed command of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines.  Major Ward led his men through a combat tour in Fallujah, Al-Anbar Province, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  For his actions, Vaughn was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat V (Valor).

And Ensuring a Bright Future for Us ...
Upon his return from Iraq, Vaughn served as the Nevada State Director for the McCain/Palin campaign.  Vaughn has been married to his wife, Kirsten, for 7 years. They have a daughter, Avé, 4, and a son, William, 1.