Father. Veteran. Marylander.
Ben Hightower's journey of service began in the Ozark Mountains, where he was raised with the values of hard work, faith, and community. Growing up, Ben split his time between excelling in school, playing sports with friends, and attending church with family—a foundation that would shape his lifelong commitment to serving others.
After graduating high school, Ben enrolled in college to pursue a career as a paramedic and firefighter, driven by a desire to help people in their most vulnerable moments. But on September 11, 2001, everything changed. Like so many Americans of his generation, Ben watched in horror as terrorists attacked our nation. In that moment, he heard a clear call to serve. During his second year of college, Ben made the life-altering decision to enlist in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, choosing to serve in the medical field where he could save lives on the battlefield.
Twenty Years of Military Service
Over the next two decades, Ben Hightower exemplified military service at its finest. He completed six combat deployments in support of four different campaigns, serving as a "Doc" to Marines and sailors in some of the world's most dangerous places. As a combat medic, Ben didn't just witness the cost of freedom—he held it in his hands, treating wounded warriors and local civilians alike, never asking about politics or background, only how he could help.
Ben's exceptional performance in high-stakes environments earned him rapid promotion during his first deployment. He was handpicked for critical overseas assignments in strategic locations, where he established and enhanced medical evacuation infrastructure that significantly improved survival rates for U.S. and coalition personnel. His ability to deliver under pressure and adapt to evolving challenges made him an invaluable asset in every mission.
Rising through the ranks, Ben's leadership abilities were recognized and cultivated. He led joint training exercises across multiple countries, strengthening global partnerships while supporting international officials and U.S. Embassies. His expertise in crisis management and his ability to maintain composure in life-or-death situations became hallmarks of his service.
Leadership at the Pentagon
Ben's final duty station was at the Pentagon, where he served as a senior advisor managing daily operations for three medical clinics in the National Capital Region. In this role, he was responsible for delivering critical healthcare services to over 22,000 customers annually. Working alongside the Chief Operating Officer of the Pentagon Health Clinic, Ben managed an expansive annual budget of $110 million, overseeing diverse operational areas including Resource Management, Human Resources, Logistics, Maintenance, Managed Care, Health Records, and Information Technology.
When COVID-19 struck, Ben's leadership was put to the ultimate test. He coordinated the comprehensive pandemic response for the Pentagon, overseeing testing and vaccination efforts for over 50,000 individuals. His calm, methodical approach to crisis management ensured continuity of operations during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.
Beyond his operational responsibilities, Ben demonstrated exceptional commitment to developing the next generation of military leaders. As a mentor to 32 subordinates, he improved promotion rates by 20%, qualification achievements by 70%, awards eligibility by 15%, and further education pursuits by 40%. His leadership philosophy—"Mission first, people always"—created a culture of excellence and personal growth.
Service Beyond Uniform
Understanding that effective military leadership requires understanding policy, Ben completed a fellowship on Capitol Hill, serving as a Legislative Fellow in the United States Senate. In this role, he coordinated for Congressional Senate Committees including Veterans Affairs, Judiciary, Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. This experience gave him invaluable insight into how policy is made and the impact it has on the people who serve our nation.
Earlier in his career, Ben served as a U.S. Navy Medical Officer Recruiter in Washington, D.C., where he successfully guided 16 professionals into naval service, from scholarship recipients to direct hires. He also spent three years managing international peacekeeping operations, leading a team of 55 personnel and forging strategic partnerships with provincial leaders to enhance regional security.
Choosing Maryland
When it came time to retire after 20 years of service, Ben had his pick of duty stations across the country. Hawaii, California, Florida—all were options. But Ben chose Maryland, specifically settling in Ellicott City in Howard County.
"The beauty of the state and charm of the local communities is exactly where I belong," Ben explains. "Maryland is where I want to raise my family and where I want my son to have the best opportunities for his future."
Continued Service to Veterans
Today, Ben continues serving the military community as a Health Plans Coordinator at Johns Hopkins Health Plans, helping military families navigate TRICARE Prime healthcare options through the Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP). This role allows him to continue his mission of ensuring those who serve our nation receive the care they deserve.
Education and Recognition
Ben's commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in his education. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare from John Brown University Graduate School and a degree in Health Care Management from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. He has earned numerous certifications including Tactical Casualty Combat Care Instructor and Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt.
Throughout his career, Ben has received multiple honors including the 2011 USO Patriotic Festival Military Honoree award, Top Enlisted Medical Officer recognition, Recruiter Excellence Award, and the Navy Surgeon General Health Promotion and Wellness Blue H with gold star. He maintains an active security clearance, a testament to his continued trustworthiness and integrity.
Personal Life
Ben lives in Ellicott City with his wife, son, and service dog. His family is the center of his world and the driving force behind his continued service to the community. As a husband and father, Ben understands the challenges facing Maryland families—from rising costs to concerns about education and public safety. These aren't abstract policy issues to him; they're the real concerns he and his neighbors face every day.
A New Call to Serve
After two decades of answering his country's call in uniform, Ben Hightower now sees Maryland facing challenges that demand new leadership. The same establishment politicians continue offering the same failed solutions while Maryland families struggle with rising costs, failing schools, and increasing crime.
"I've been to war. I've managed million-dollar budgets. I've led teams through life-and-death situations," Ben reflects. "I didn't do all that to come home and watch Maryland fail its citizens. The politicians in Annapolis have had their chance. It's time for proven leadership that puts service before politics."
Ben Hightower represents a different kind of leader—one whose commitment to service was forged in combat zones, not campaign headquarters. His experience spans from battlefield medicine to Pentagon policy-making, from managing massive budgets to mentoring young leaders. He's not a politician, and that's exactly the point.
For Ben, this isn't about climbing a political ladder or securing a career in politics. It's about continuing his service from country to community, bringing military discipline and real-world experience to solve the problems facing Maryland families.
As he considers how best to serve his community in this next chapter, one thing is certain: Ben Hightower will bring the same integrity, accountability, and commitment to Maryland that he brought to defending our nation.
