Get to Know Our Speaker

Early Life: Brought up in Augusta, Georgia, Eugene Yu’s foundational years were shaped by the enduring values of hard work, discipline, and family. Raised by hard-working Korean immigrant parents, he learned firsthand the profound promise of the American Dream. His father set a powerful example of duty and honor as a retired Korean Marine officer, while his mother anchored the family as a dedicated homemaker. Rooted in the local community, Eugene proudly graduated from George P. Butler High School in 1974.

Public Service: A steadfast commitment to protecting and serving his neighbors drove Eugene Yu’s early career path. He studied criminal justice at Augusta College, equipping himself with a strong educational foundation in law and order. During this time, he put those principles into immediate practice on the front lines as a dedicated firefighter for the Augusta Fire Department, learning the critical importance of decisive action and teamwork under pressure.

Military & Law Enforcement: Answering the call to defend the nation, Eugene joined the U.S. Army in 1976. He served with distinction as an enlisted Military Police Soldier, a role that reinforced his commitment to security and included a deployment to Korea. Following his honorable discharge from Fort Bliss in 1980, Eugene seamlessly transitioned his law enforcement expertise back into civilian public service, joining the Richmond County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy sheriff—putting his life on the line to protect local families and uphold the law.

Business Career: Transitioning to the private sector, Eugene Yu brought his trademark discipline and drive to the business world. Beginning in 1987, he leveraged his global perspective as a director of international marketing for Cummings Engine Company. Driven by a deeply ingrained entrepreneurial spirit, he founded his own contracting company, the Commercial and Military System Corp, in 1993. Over the next two decades, he successfully grew this enterprise from the ground up, ultimately employing 450 workers and generating annual revenues approaching $100 million until 2013, proving his exceptional capacity for economic leadership.

Values & Education: A steadfast conservative and a loyal Republican since 1984, Eugene’s political philosophy is firmly rooted in the Constitution. He has stood as a champion for the America First agenda, proudly securing the GOP nomination while running for the U.S. Senate in 2013 and in multiple campaigns for U.S. Congress. Complementing his vast real-world experience, Eugene also pursued additional continuing education training from Harvard Business School, ensuring his leadership strategies remain sharper and more effective than ever.

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