I’ve held many leadership billets within the Army, ranging from Platoon Sergeant at the company level to the brigade level, where I managed Brigade Training and Development along with its multi-million-dollar budget. I attended several elite Army schools and was selected for the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) to attend the Q Course, but withdrew due to sustained injuries.

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Other notable service included selection to support Indiana Counter-Drug Operations, working statewide with multiple agencies on training, interdiction, intelligence, and surveillance missions—disrupting the illegal distribution of drugs. I completed my service honorably and was released in 2015.

I participated in combat operations during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 as part of Task Force Tarawa, supporting Regimental Combat Teams 1, 3, and 5. Our primary objectives included breaching from the southern border through An Nasiriyah, An Najaf, Ad Diwaniyah, Karbala, Al Hillah, and Al-Kut. I completed my service honorably and was released in 2007.

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(Photo: circa 2003 — Inside Saddam Hussein’s palace in Babylon after securing it. I picked up his gold-plated AKs along the way—his bed wasn’t that comfortable. The ancient city can be seen in the background.)

I am the Vice President and a Founding Member of the Warsaw Girls Rugby Foundation (WGRF).

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Our Mission

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We aim to develop confident, independent, and empowered girls and young women.

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Our goal is to teach and support the rich traditions of rugby as a recognized sport for young females in Kosciusko County, Indiana. We strive to create opportunities that allow them to experience the hallmarks of rugby: inclusiveness, sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect for fellow players, coaches, and officials.

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The Warsaw Girls Rugby Foundation serves as an incubator for personal development and growth in areas such as leadership, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, empowerment, and life preparation.

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Through this endeavor, we hope to inspire girls and young women to always give their best, create value in every situation, rise when life knocks them down, and lead vigorous, joyful, and passionate lives.

In 2015, I was one of ten veterans selected nationally to contribute to innovation within the Department of Veterans Affairs. I provided recommendations that improved treatment and care delivery, as well as expedited the processing of veterans’ benefits—changes that continue to shape the VA today.

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(Photo: circa 2015 — In Washington, D.C. with then VA Secretary Bob McDonald)

I have volunteered and supported youth soccer for many years, coaching and mentoring players ages 5 to 13 in both co-ed and boys’ leagues.

I organized a fundraiser for a young boy in urgent need of a kidney transplant to save his life. Feeling compelled to help, I teamed up with a fellow Marine and an Indiana SWAT State Trooper to ruck over 30 miles with 45-pound packs. Supporters donated money per mile completed. Thanks to the generosity of many, he received his transplant, is now healthy, and is living his best life. His dream is to become a race car driver.