United States Army

My tenure with the United States Army, specifically within the esteemed 10th Mountain Division as an Infantryman, was a period marked by profound challenges, significant achievements, and unparalleled growth. Elevated through the ranks into a team leadership position and eventually becoming a non-commissioned officer, my journey was characterized by the relentless pursuit of excellence, leadership under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to the mission and my team.

As an Infantry Soldier, the essence of my role was grounded in the field—defending our country against ground threats, capturing and deterring enemy forces, and playing a pivotal role in reconnaissance and mobilization of troops and weaponry as part of the ground combat force. This demanding position required not just physical resilience but also tactical acumen, strategic foresight, and the ability to make critical decisions in high-stakes environments.

My deployments took me to some of the most formidable terrains and challenging locations in modern military history. I was stationed at FOB Tillman, situated in the rugged foothills of the Himalayan mountains—a location that tested the limits of human endurance and tactical expertise. This was deep into the volatile regions of Southeast Afghanistan, an area often referred to as no man’s land due to its harsh conditions and the constant threat of enemy engagement.

There were many “close calls” but the most harrowing experience during my service was a 120+ man enemy attack on our position, a battle that not only tested our combat readiness but also our resolve and unity as a team. It was during this engagement that I was wounded, an event that led to me being awarded the Purple Heart—a testament to the sacrifices made in the line of duty. Throughout my service, I received a total of 18 other medals and citations, each marking a moment of distinction, bravery, and dedicated service.

In my leadership capacity, I was responsible for leading and managing an infantry team across various operations. This role was pivotal in ensuring effective communication, coordination, and operational execution among team members. My designation as a primary marksman further added to the responsibilities, requiring me to provide precision fire on selected targets to support our combat operations effectively.

Training and mentoring were integral aspects of my leadership. I was committed to enhancing the tactical and combat skills of my team members, ensuring their readiness and performance were always at their peak. Developing and executing tactical plans and strategies was a constant endeavor, aimed at achieving mission objectives while safeguarding the welfare of my team.

Reconnaissance and surveillance operations were also a significant part of my duties, gathering crucial intelligence to inform command decisions and ensure strategic advantage. This role underscored the importance of vigilance, precision, and strategic planning in the complex theater of modern warfare.

My military awards and honors:

• The Purple Heart Medal
• The Combat Infantry Badge
• The Expert Infantry Badge
• The Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• x2 Army Achievement Medals
• x3 Army Commendation Medals
• The Army Good Conduct Medal
• The Army Service Ribbon
• The Global War on Terrorism Medal
• NATO Service Ribbon
• Over Seas Ribbon
• Joint Meritorious Unit Award
• Valorous Unit Award
• Meritorious Unit Citation