 Severson is a member of the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School also known as TOPGUN.Severson was stationed in Asia, Southern California, and Washington, D.C. During his time as a Naval Pilot, Severson's name was misread as Doc Severinsen, earning him the call sign "Doc".In 2002, after redistricting, Severson ran for the newly redrawn Minnesota House District 14A and won defeating DFL nominee Dennis Molitor 49%-47%.