East Texas is important to me because this is my family's home. I have been married to my wife, Hilary Haglund Walker, since 2006, and we moved to Angelina County 17 years ago to start our family. Hilary was born and raised here, and while I didn't know this as a child, my maternal grandfather is from Shelby County. For a few years after we first moved to East Texas, I thought we were returning to Hilary's roots, when in fact mine run deep here as well.

We have two adventurous sons that attend public school in Lufkin, and I'm grateful they are growing up here in East Texas. When it comes to raising our children, my wife and I believe how we treat our neighbors and how we serve our community is critical in their upbringing. We believe in strong religious values and keeping family as the bedrock.

My boys and I spend a lot of time in the woods and on the water. I believe hunting, fishing and exploring are the best ways to teach them about life. Whether hunting in a blind, fishing from a boat or hiking on a trail, together we're appreciating God's natural gifts and sharing in the time-honored traditions of our family.