Dan Hall was elected to the Santa Monica City Council in 2024. He began his public service at the United States Military Academy at West Point under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy which forced him to hide his identity while serving his country. After the policy's repeal, Hall became one of the Army's first openly gay helicopter pilots, serving in South Korea and deploying to Iraq and Kuwait to combat ISIS as a Pilot-in-Command of the AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter. As an Army commander, he managed over $300 million in equipment and budget and led more than 100 soldiers, ensuring everyone returned home safely. He served in the Army for a total of eight years, rising to the rank of Captain and serving as an Air Mission Commander. His military awards include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, and Operation Inherent Resolve medals.