A LIFE OF SERVICE FOR HIS COUNTRY
Cliff Heinzer grew up in a working-class neighborhood at a time in our country when a full day’s work earned a living wage, benefits, and the expectation that your kids would do even better.
After graduating from college, he began a career that would see him serve America in the Far East, Latin America, Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
In the Army, he led as an officer in the infantry and special forces.
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In the Foreign Service, he analyzed the politics of foreign governments overseas, and focused on U.S. policy in the Middle East while in Washington. His diverse career included:
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Countering violent extremism.
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Directing U.S. counter narcotics efforts in the Golden Triangle, including support to law enforcement, addiction treatment, and supply reduction programs.
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Bolstering border security and coordinating civilian efforts to improve governance in Afghanistan.
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Supervising the issuance of immigrant visas.
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Working closely with the Department of Defense.
A member of organized labor for 25 years, he is also a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Special Forces Association. Cliff recently ended his tenure as Political Action Chair of the NAACP’s Stafford Branch.
Since his departure from federal service, he has worked as an instructor for the Army, but the majority of his time has been devoted to political activism, advocating for school funding, campaigning for candidates he supports, and serving as the Chair of the Stafford County Democratic Committee. To the greatest extent possible, Cliff reaches across the aisle to find common ground.
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He resides in Stafford with his spouse Tuanta (née Tangae), a federal retiree and naturalized U.S. citizen.