Prior to taking office, Ellis served 20 years in the United States Army as an airborne infantryman and airborne instructor; having served two tours in Vietnam with the 101st and 5th infantry divisions; earning the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army commendation medal for valor, Combat Infantryman Badge and Master Parachutist badge.

Ellis finished the last eleven of his over twenty year military career as a recruiter, serving to help transition the U.S. Army to an all-volunteer force.

In August 2007, C. Jack Ellis sent a letter of solidarity to Hugo Chávez, socialist President of Venezuela and vocal ally of Iran and Cuba.

The government could also demand that much of the grant money be returned, as well as impose a civil penalty, which the letter stated could be in excess of one million dollars.

Despite efforts from his political rivals, No criminal charges were filed, and no evidence of wrongdoing was ever found or admitted by the state.