Allen Edward Weh (born November 17, 1942) is an American business executive, politician, and retired colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. He was a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor of New Mexico in the 2010 election, and the Republican Nominee for the United States Senate 2014 election against incumbent Democratic Senator Tom Udall. He is the founder and CEO of CSI Aviation Inc., the largest supplier of deportation flights for illegal immigrants in the United States, until the contract ended in 2017. Since then, the company has focused on its growing air ambulance operations in the United States. Early life and education Weh was born in Salem, Oregon and grew up in North Carolina, Georgia, and New Jersey. In 1960, Weh graduated from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education and Master of Arts in counseling from the University of New Mexico. Career Weh began his military service as an enlisted Marine before selection for Officer Candidate School. He served two tours in Vietnam and with the British Royal Marines in Malaysia. Colonel Weh was recalled for active duty during the Persian Gulf War, for the U.S. expedition into Somalia, and to serve as chief of staff of Marine Forces Pacific prior to retiring in 1997. In 2003 and 2004. he was again recalled from the USMC Retired List to serve in Iraq and given a key leadership role with the creation and organization of the new Iraqi Army. For his service, Weh received a Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals, one with V device, a Purple Heart with two gold stars, the Meritorious Service medal with gold star, and five Air Medals. In 1979, Weh and his wife, Rebecca Roberton Weh, launched CSI Aviation Services, Inc., a worldwide company that charters flights for private, commercial and government uses. In the years since, CSI has grown into a multimillion-dollar company, providing services to corporations, Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense, as well as medical flight services. Weh served as chairman of the New Mexico Republican Party from 2004 to 2008. 2010 gubernatorial primary On 1 June 2010, Weh lost to his main opponent in the primary, Dona Ana County District Attorney Susana Martinez. At the end of the election, Weh came up second with the votes, as compared to