missile crew commander at Ellsworth Air Force Base. He later earned his M.B.A. at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota. By the early 1990s, the Cold War was over and the world was changing. He was promoted to the rank of Captain and was working as a crew commander deactivating the weapon systems he had once worked to maintain on constant alert status. In 1993, he made the decision to return to civilian life and move back to Apple Valley with the desire to get back involved in politics as a way to make a difference in people's lives. He and his wife, Shelli, live in Apple Valley, and have two children. He owns and operates a direct marketing and bulk mail processing business in Eagan. References External links Senator Gerlach Web Page Minnesota Public Radio Votetracker: Senator Chris Gerlach Project Vote Smart – Senator Chris Gerlach Profile 1964 births Living people Republican Party Minnesota state senators People from Apple Valley, Minnesota 21st-century American politicians Apple Valley High School (Minnesota) alumni