Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Erik Cortes is an Army Ranger who has over 32 years of civilian and military service leading police and military members. LTC Cortes earned two bronze stars leading troops during the initial invasion of Iraq and who has led thousands of soldiers over the course of course his career. LTC Cortes also served as police officer for the Los Angeles Police Department and as a Special Agent for the Department of Homeland Security. He was a member of and commanded the Los Angeles Homeland Security SWAT team for eight years. LTC Cortes has a BA from San Diego State University and a MS in Leadership and Management from Webster University. He has a daughter who plays softball for a premier travel team.