About Me: A Journey of Service and Conviction
A Call to Service: U.S. Army Infantryman
The attacks of September 11th, 2001, irrevocably altered my perception of the world, fostering a fierce patriotic sentiment and a belief that our freedoms were a treasure worthy of defense. This conviction manifested into action. After witnessing the stark realities endured by young American soldiers: the ever-present danger, the sacrifices made out of the eyesight of countrymen, and the immense burden of their responsibilities, I resolved to serve. I enlisted in the Army as an infantryman in 2009, driven by a profound sense of duty to alleviate the burden on others.
In 2010 I deployed with the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment (Battleboars!), 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Divison, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF VII). Here, my entrance exam scores made my selection for training room clerk/orderly, a certainty before I caught up with the unit, forward deployed. Certainly, not the most romantic job for an Infantryman in a combat zone, but it was a job that needed to be done. Here, among other decorations, I was promoted to PFC and awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB). The CIB is awarded for "performing duties while personally present and under fire while serving in an assigned infantry or Special Forces capacity, in a unit of brigade, regimental, or smaller size, engaged in active ground combat." FOB Warrior was under fairly frequent indirect fire, so I qualified, though I personally did not feel deserving.
Redeploying to Ft. Stewart, I was moved to a line company, Alpha, where I became a bradley gunner and mounted team leader. This was a huge responsibility and honor for me as a Specialist (SPC). I was tasked with the ownership of two M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and the welfare and mentorship of the soldiers below me. After our Battalion had completed new equipment training and qualification on the M2A3, we were in a ready condition and open for a fight. So we reorganized, moving the Bradley training into another part of our toolbox. We were to attach to SOCOM, to assist with Village Stability Operations throughout Afghanistan.
After an intense, contracted rotation at the National Training Center, and with sister SOF units to the units we would assisting, the Battleboars were once again prepared to fight, this time as light infantry. Two Infantry Squads, an ODA, and an element from the U.A.E. Presidential guard took over resposibility of a small villiage called Khar Nikah, and establishing Villiage Stability Platform - Zombalay, lovingly called Zombieland. Here, among other things, we established security by means of foot patrols, patrol base operations, and check points. We also began a clinic operated by Navy medical staff, notably women, to ensure ALL were given the healthcare they deserve. We also begain construction of a public school staffed by a trained, educated, teacher. We provided these securities because they are basic requirements of an established society. Education and healthcare, along with many other things, protect our communities in more than just the superficial benefits. A key moment in my life and development as a patriot. While deployed to Afghanistan, my first child was born, Eric. I was able to go home for a short leave to see him and my wife. It was a priviledge that most servicemembers don't enjoy, and certainly a majority of my brother did not. Upon my redeployment, with my initial contract expiring, and a newborn, my wife and I decided that a life focused on a future for our children was what we were to do.
From Battlefield to Books: Purdue Engineer
After my enlistment, I utilized the Post 9/11 GI Bill to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Purdue University, with a minor in Electrical Engineering Technology. While my studies progressed, I worked as a CAD Technician for a Land Surveyor in New Carlisle and later as an engineer in capital equipment manufacturing in Michigan City. This period allowed my wife and I to try to expand our family. But fate had adversity in store. My wife had a miscarriage of two girls. We were and continue to be devastated by this loss. But, during the medical procedures to remove my daughters, a major bleed was found. Luckily the staff and doctor were able to intervene in time to invert her and get a transfusion going. Had today's archaic policies been in place at that time, I'm confident I would be a single father of one today. Comprehensive reproductive care for ALL is a requirement for a stable, purposeful Republic.
A Father's Commitment: Nurturing Family and Community
After picking up some of the pieces, we were eventually able to bring into the world Ryker, our second son. Again, had the policies of today been in place then, we wouldn't have had the care available to us to ensure a healthy and successful pregnancy. The heavens smiled upon us one more time in 2019, and gave us our first daughter, Liberty Simone, but then COVID. I found myself working from home, raising three kids, and watching the country spiral.
I am ready to take the passion for our precious freedoms to D.C., reprsent Hoosiers, and focus on continued Liberty and strengthening our communities for everyone.