2015 HONORED WARRIORS
ARMY SPC David Nunez
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AI was born in Los Angeles, Ca. I joined the military in June 2000 and was stationed in Fort Polk, La. I was in 2/2 Armored Cavalry Regiment. My job was a 19D (scout - Recon). I was deployed to Iraq in April 2003 and returned November 2003 in support of OIF and OEF. My injuries consist of:
PTSD, TINNITUS, DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE, MIGRAINE HEADACHES, PROSTATITUS, AND DEPRESSION After leaving the military I joined U.S. Customs and Border Protection. I have one 9 year old boy. I currently work for Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation and also work for The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes |
ARMY SGT Juan Gabriel Perez
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Juan joined the U.S. Army in May 2002 after working construction for the Detroit Carpenters union for 7 yrs. On his second deployment in Iraq 2005, he was preparing for a Reconnaissance mission to downtown Baghdad when he was struck in the left eye by a foreign object.
As a result Juan was thrown nearly 10 feet from his Bradley Fighting Vehicle rendering him unconscious. The blunt force trauma to the eye caused blindness, damage to both shoulders and severe trauma to the head. Juan was immediately air lifted to a secure location outside of Baghdad. Later it was determined while in Germany that his injuries needed special attention available at his Home Post at Ft. Carson, CO. Since his injuries Juan has undergone surgeries for his shoulders, and extensive Physical and Mental therapy for his TBI and PTSD. Juan briefly returned to school earning a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Colorado Technical University and also worked in various jobs from a car salesman, Logistics specialists, brief Colorado Marshal and Mentor for Teen Court. Today Juan is employed with The Coalition’s ‘Heroes Thanking Heroes Program’ as a Senior Team Lead. Through this program he serves as mentor and helps provide support to over 50 representatives who make thank you calls to the supportive donor’s, both past and present. Juan has also participated in events which help raise funds and awareness for the needs of CSAH families. Juan’s story is one of perseverance in which others can look at for a model when they are experiencing similar situations. Sgt. Perez (Ret.) lives in Colorado Springs with his wife Christy of 10 yrs. and 5 Children. |
ARMY SGT Matthew Pennington
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Raised in both Maine and Texas, Matthew Pennington entered into military service at the age of seventeen; he had a robust career full of responsibility and leadership roles. Then at the age of twenty three he was struck down by an ambush IED team in Iraq. Losing his left leg and receiving severe damage to his right he was honorably retired and received the Purple Heart and the state of Maine Silver Star among various others.
Matthew has starred in a short film “A Marines Guide to Fishing”. It is story that portrays an injured veteran’s transition back into the work place as well as coping with his loss one year later on his alive day. Prior to acting, Matthew gave a speech for veteran’s day in the town of La Plata, Maryland as well as campaign videos for Senator Susan Collins. He has served on a panel for Secretary of Defense Gates at Walter Reed and received many of other types of recognition for his service to America. Matthew has worked alongside director Nick Brennan and Marjorie Pennington to perform screenings of “Marines Guide to Fishing” to raise donations for charitable organizations serving veteran’s. It was creating these environments of entertainment and education that led him to further his speaking career as a Keynote Speaker for the Brain Injury Alliance, Joining Forces, various Military-Civilian conferences and Universities. Matthew has built a program that was endorsed by Congressman Mike Michaud and it has been replicated by the Vet Center’s located within Maine and has been reported to have great success. Currently Matthew is a part-time National Spokesman/Field Associate for the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, it is a job he believes in and also one that allows him to witness and hear about the positive impact made in the lives of the combat wounded. Matthew has been married to his wife Marjorie Pennington for 11 years and looks forward to a life full of giving to and assisting those in need. |
ARMY SSG Kenny Griffith
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I joined the Army in 2004 as an infantryman. My first duty station was the third infantry division out Fort Stewart, GA. I was also stationed at Fort Hood Texas with 3DACR then after my inury to the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas. I have been deployed three times in support of OIF. My awards consist of: Purple Heart, CIB, Bronze star, 5 AAM, 4 Arcom. I was injured on April 22, 2008 and I medically retired on January 12, 2013. I have pursued a job in the fire service since I have been out of the military.
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MARINE CPL Brian Aft
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Brian Aft enlisted in the Marine Corps May 07, 2007. He served in Afghanistan November 2010 through April 2011. On April 18, 2011 he was injured by IED.
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MARINE CPL Blake Watson
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Blake was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He joined the Marine Corps in March of 2009. Joined 3rd battalion 5th Marines, deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan in September of 2010. He was injured on a dismounted patrol by a pressure plate IED that he knelt down on top of. Blake received treatment at Walter Reed and Brooke Army Medical Center. He medically retired on December 30, 2013, and returned to his hometown, Dallas. He received Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, ISAF Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
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MARINE SSGT Curtis Long
Curtis Long is a 10-year combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps with deployments to Iraq in 2007, and the Mediterranean Ocean in 2008 as an EOD Team Member. Curtis joined the Marine Corps after high school in 2002. Curtis came into the Marine Corps as a Bulk Fuel Specialist. Three years into his military career Curtis lat moved into EOD. While deployed in 2007 with 2nd EOD Co, Curtis’ MRAP was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED) while operating in Karma, Iraq. This hit resulted in a TBI and several other internal injuries resulting in being transferred to the Wounded Warrior Battalion. Upon completing his time at the WWBn-E, Curtis was medically retired from the USMC in September 2012.
Shortly after Curtis’ retirement in 2012, he attended Coastal Carolina Community College and earned his Associate of Arts degree. While attending college, Curtis also volunteered at his kid’s elementary school to help the kids of deployed parents. Curtis continues his volunteer services by helping at his church in Jacksonville, NC
Currently, Curtis is working on plans to start up a coffee shop called The Outpost in Jacksonville, NC and will partner up with the non-profit organization Warrior Institute located in Gainesville, FL to continue to help our wounded warriors and veterans.
My awards are Navy Unit Commendation, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, (2) Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, (3) Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals.
Shortly after Curtis’ retirement in 2012, he attended Coastal Carolina Community College and earned his Associate of Arts degree. While attending college, Curtis also volunteered at his kid’s elementary school to help the kids of deployed parents. Curtis continues his volunteer services by helping at his church in Jacksonville, NC
Currently, Curtis is working on plans to start up a coffee shop called The Outpost in Jacksonville, NC and will partner up with the non-profit organization Warrior Institute located in Gainesville, FL to continue to help our wounded warriors and veterans.
My awards are Navy Unit Commendation, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, (2) Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, (3) Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals.
MARINE SGT Omar Milan
My name is Omar Milan. I was born in Fort Worth and raised in Mansfield, Texas. I graduated from Mansfield High School in 2000. Shortly after graduating high school I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. I became a Field Radio Operator assigned to India Battery 3rd BN 10th Marines at Camp Lejeune. During my enlistment, I served one combat tour to Iraq for the invasion in 2003. Soon after the deployment, my wife Michelle and I were married. We then had our first beautiful daughter, Rachel, in 2004. I was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps that year. However, civilian life didn’t suit me well. I reenlisted in the Air Force in 2006. While in the Air Force I became an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician. In May 2008, I transitioned back to the Marine Corps as an EOD Technician assigned to 2nd EOD Company, Camp Lejeune. We had our second beautiful daughter Vanessa the same year. While at 2nd EOD Company, I deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit providing EOD support. I also deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 and 2011.
During my second deployment to Afghanistan I was injured. My injuries occurred on January 9, 2012 as I was conducting a post blast analysis. During the analysis of the scene I discovered a secondary IED. I proceeded to dispose of this IED. During its disposal, I stepped on a third IED at the scene. The third IED then pushed me onto a fourth IED. I sustained a below the knee amputation on my right leg, soft tissue and nerve damage to my left leg, damage to left hand with loss of index finger, and damage to right arm with loss of the elbow and nerve damage. In addition, I suffered a concussion with the loss of consciousness, a pelvic fracture, and a fracture to the left clavicle. With my wife and daughters by my side, I spent 2 years at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD undergoing countless surgeries and rehabilitation. In January 2014 I retired from the Marine Corps and moved back to Texas. I plan to attend college, majoring in Chemistry. In my free time I enjoy fishing, woodworking, playing video games, and spending time with my wife and our daughters.
During my second deployment to Afghanistan I was injured. My injuries occurred on January 9, 2012 as I was conducting a post blast analysis. During the analysis of the scene I discovered a secondary IED. I proceeded to dispose of this IED. During its disposal, I stepped on a third IED at the scene. The third IED then pushed me onto a fourth IED. I sustained a below the knee amputation on my right leg, soft tissue and nerve damage to my left leg, damage to left hand with loss of index finger, and damage to right arm with loss of the elbow and nerve damage. In addition, I suffered a concussion with the loss of consciousness, a pelvic fracture, and a fracture to the left clavicle. With my wife and daughters by my side, I spent 2 years at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD undergoing countless surgeries and rehabilitation. In January 2014 I retired from the Marine Corps and moved back to Texas. I plan to attend college, majoring in Chemistry. In my free time I enjoy fishing, woodworking, playing video games, and spending time with my wife and our daughters.
AIR FORCE MSGT Mario Kovach
Mario is married with two boys, 6 and 7.5 years old from Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Been in AF EOD for 17 years, currently stationed at JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (my 6th assignment), 5 deployments (Israel, Iraq x2, Germany, Afghanistan). Interests: Riding my 4 wheeler with my kids, snowboarding, working on cars, blowing things up
My awards are:
Bronze Star x2 - AF Commendation Medal x3 - Army Commendation Medal
AF Achievement Medal - Army Achievement Medal x2
AF Combat Action Medal - Army Combat Action Badge - Valorous Unit Award Meritorious Unit Award - AF Outstanding Unit Award x5
Army Meritorious Unit Commendation - AF Good Conduct Medal x4
AF Recognition Medal - National Defense Service Medal - Afghanistan Campaign Medal x2
Iraq Campaign Medal x4 - GWOT Expeditionary Medal - GWOT Service Medal - Korean Defense Service Medal Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal - AF Overseas Ribbon Short - AF Overseas Ribbon Long x2
AF Expeditionary Service Ribbon w/Gold Border x4 - AF Longevity Service x4
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon x2 - Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon x2
AF Training Ribbon - NATO Medal (non-Article 5)
My awards are:
Bronze Star x2 - AF Commendation Medal x3 - Army Commendation Medal
AF Achievement Medal - Army Achievement Medal x2
AF Combat Action Medal - Army Combat Action Badge - Valorous Unit Award Meritorious Unit Award - AF Outstanding Unit Award x5
Army Meritorious Unit Commendation - AF Good Conduct Medal x4
AF Recognition Medal - National Defense Service Medal - Afghanistan Campaign Medal x2
Iraq Campaign Medal x4 - GWOT Expeditionary Medal - GWOT Service Medal - Korean Defense Service Medal Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal - AF Overseas Ribbon Short - AF Overseas Ribbon Long x2
AF Expeditionary Service Ribbon w/Gold Border x4 - AF Longevity Service x4
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon x2 - Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon x2
AF Training Ribbon - NATO Medal (non-Article 5)
ARMY SFC Mike Mednansky
Mike Mednansky is an 11-year combat veteran of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as an EOD Team Leader and Platoon Sergeant. In Dec of 2010, Mike was wounded by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Kandahar, Afghanistan. This injury resulted in the amputation of the middle, ring, and pinky fingers of his left hand as well as significant injury to his right forearm. Mike spent a year in physical therapy at the center for the intrepid, located on Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. As a result of these injuries Mike was medically retired as a Sergeant First Class from the United States Army in 2012.
After retiring in 2012, Mike was hired for a contractor position in the 71st EOD group on Fort Carson Colorado, the same group he worked for during the six years he was an active duty Army EOD Technician. He enjoys the opportunity to continue training EOD soldiers, passing on knowledge and lessons learned to those who continue the fight. Mike also Volunteers for the Colorado Springs police Department bomb squad, assisting with training, and demonstrations.
Currently, Mike continues to work as a contractor for the 71st EOD group, and enjoys spending as much time as possible with his wife Jennifer, and daughter Indigo.
After retiring in 2012, Mike was hired for a contractor position in the 71st EOD group on Fort Carson Colorado, the same group he worked for during the six years he was an active duty Army EOD Technician. He enjoys the opportunity to continue training EOD soldiers, passing on knowledge and lessons learned to those who continue the fight. Mike also Volunteers for the Colorado Springs police Department bomb squad, assisting with training, and demonstrations.
Currently, Mike continues to work as a contractor for the 71st EOD group, and enjoys spending as much time as possible with his wife Jennifer, and daughter Indigo.
USAF TSGT, EOD Tech - Adam Popp
Adam Popp is a 12-year combat veteran of the U.S. Air Force with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as an EOD Team Leader. In 2007, Adam was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan. This injury resulted in the amputation of his right leg and he was subsequently medically retired from the USAF in 2009.
During his recovery period at Walter Reed Hospital, Adam was visited by members of the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation and found it a very humbling and powerful experience. Adam decided to become involved in the organization and was eventually certified by the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) as a peer visitor for amputees and other severely wounded. He is passionate about working with and for other wounded veterans and spends a great deal of his time with newly wounded service members.
Shortly after Adam’s retirement in 2009, he went to work as a program manager for Northrop Grumman. He recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan with Northrop Grumman where he served as a liaison to the military and also oversaw a Contractor Owned Contractor Operated detachment supporting TF-ODIN and ISR/Counter-IED operations. For his accomplishments during this deployment, Adam was awarded Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems President’s Leadership Award.
Currently, Adam serves as a senior analyst and partner at Shoulder 2 Shoulder, Inc. S2S is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) located in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. The company is founded on the principals of Innovation, Quality Healing, Giving Back, Uncompromising Integrity, and Commitment. S2S is organized and staffed to service the unique requirements of the US Military community.
During his recovery period at Walter Reed Hospital, Adam was visited by members of the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation and found it a very humbling and powerful experience. Adam decided to become involved in the organization and was eventually certified by the Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) as a peer visitor for amputees and other severely wounded. He is passionate about working with and for other wounded veterans and spends a great deal of his time with newly wounded service members.
Shortly after Adam’s retirement in 2009, he went to work as a program manager for Northrop Grumman. He recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan with Northrop Grumman where he served as a liaison to the military and also oversaw a Contractor Owned Contractor Operated detachment supporting TF-ODIN and ISR/Counter-IED operations. For his accomplishments during this deployment, Adam was awarded Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems President’s Leadership Award.
Currently, Adam serves as a senior analyst and partner at Shoulder 2 Shoulder, Inc. S2S is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) located in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. The company is founded on the principals of Innovation, Quality Healing, Giving Back, Uncompromising Integrity, and Commitment. S2S is organized and staffed to service the unique requirements of the US Military community.
USAF TSGT - Jason Morgan
SSgt Jason Morgan, US Air Force Special Operations Command (airborne) 1989 - 1999. 100% Medically retired.
I enlisted in the Air Force in 1989 and worked as a combat weatherman which is an airborne unit the provided weather for Army special operations on missions and behind enemy lines. In 1999, while on a counter narcotics mission in South America, I was attached to the 160th SOAR. During a counter narcotics mission, I was nearly fatally wounded and woke up two months later from a coma, paralyzed from the waist down.
After my injury, I became very active in sports and competed on Team Air Force in the military Paralympic Games winning several medals in swimming, wheelchair basketball and track and field events. Using adaptive equipment, I still water and snow ski, SCUBA dive, fly private planes and more. I volunteer with my service dog, Napal at local hospitals by visiting patients. Napal and speak all over the country helping other disabled veterans received highly trained service dogs as well as speaking at local schools, events, Boy Scouts, etc educating kids about disabilities, service dogs and over coming adversity.
Recently, I competed in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC pushing all 26.2 miles in my racing wheelchair.
I enlisted in the Air Force in 1989 and worked as a combat weatherman which is an airborne unit the provided weather for Army special operations on missions and behind enemy lines. In 1999, while on a counter narcotics mission in South America, I was attached to the 160th SOAR. During a counter narcotics mission, I was nearly fatally wounded and woke up two months later from a coma, paralyzed from the waist down.
After my injury, I became very active in sports and competed on Team Air Force in the military Paralympic Games winning several medals in swimming, wheelchair basketball and track and field events. Using adaptive equipment, I still water and snow ski, SCUBA dive, fly private planes and more. I volunteer with my service dog, Napal at local hospitals by visiting patients. Napal and speak all over the country helping other disabled veterans received highly trained service dogs as well as speaking at local schools, events, Boy Scouts, etc educating kids about disabilities, service dogs and over coming adversity.
Recently, I competed in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC pushing all 26.2 miles in my racing wheelchair.
Army SSG - Joel Tavera
Army Sgt. Joel Tavera is one of those truly remarkable people who, if you spend even a few minutes talking to him, any problems you think you have fade away.
Tavera was horrifically injured in Iraq on March 12, 2008, in an attack that killed three others and wounded Tavera and another soldier.
Tavera, who was volunteering for a mission shortly before he was supposed to head home, remembers a rocket exploding near his up-armored Chevy Suburban. Then came a panic attack. He opened the door. Then came the whistle – the sound of another rocket, heading straight for the Suburban.
He was severely burned, had traumatic brain injury, lost part of his right leg, the sight in both his eyes, the fingers on his left hand and had to undergo many painful surgeries.
Fast forward a few years.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue’s Kelly Hallman heard that Tavera needed a home. When not fighting fires, is an architect and, among other things, designs houses. So, working with the Building Homes for Heroes, a non-profit that supports the needs of severely wounded or disabled veterans and their families through building mortgage-free homes, Hallman designed a home for someone who couldn’t walk and needed full-time nursing. Hallman tells a funny story about what happened when Tavera learned of the plans. His response as he walked up to Hallman with a prosthetic on his right leg speaks volumes for a recovery that can only be considered miraculous.
“He said, ‘Get that out of my house,’” Hallman says of Tavera’s response to being told of plans for wheelchair access, a nursing station and a therapy room . “I don’t need that.’ I said, ‘You are right, you don’t need that,’ and I took it out.”
Joel continues to be a strong role model in showing people that they can move forward and make a difference regardless of their setbacks.
Tavera was horrifically injured in Iraq on March 12, 2008, in an attack that killed three others and wounded Tavera and another soldier.
Tavera, who was volunteering for a mission shortly before he was supposed to head home, remembers a rocket exploding near his up-armored Chevy Suburban. Then came a panic attack. He opened the door. Then came the whistle – the sound of another rocket, heading straight for the Suburban.
He was severely burned, had traumatic brain injury, lost part of his right leg, the sight in both his eyes, the fingers on his left hand and had to undergo many painful surgeries.
Fast forward a few years.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue’s Kelly Hallman heard that Tavera needed a home. When not fighting fires, is an architect and, among other things, designs houses. So, working with the Building Homes for Heroes, a non-profit that supports the needs of severely wounded or disabled veterans and their families through building mortgage-free homes, Hallman designed a home for someone who couldn’t walk and needed full-time nursing. Hallman tells a funny story about what happened when Tavera learned of the plans. His response as he walked up to Hallman with a prosthetic on his right leg speaks volumes for a recovery that can only be considered miraculous.
“He said, ‘Get that out of my house,’” Hallman says of Tavera’s response to being told of plans for wheelchair access, a nursing station and a therapy room . “I don’t need that.’ I said, ‘You are right, you don’t need that,’ and I took it out.”
Joel continues to be a strong role model in showing people that they can move forward and make a difference regardless of their setbacks.
Army CPL - Michael "Mike" Vasquez
Michael “Mike” Vasquez joined the military at age 17 during high school and quickly finished his senior year at Estacado Senior High School in Lubbock, TX in a matter of weeks to make a time slot for One Station Unit Training (OSUT). Soon after completing his OSUT, Michael attended Airborne School at Ft. Benning. Upon completion of his training, Mike went to Iraq in 2007 and 2008 with E company 3/144 Infantry on a volunteer deployment. During that time, Michael served as a Machine Gunner with a small team of other soldiers protecting civilian contractors.
After Michael came home in 2008 from Iraq, he again volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan with a military intelligence unit out of Austin Texas (636 Military Intelligence Bn.) as a PSD (protective security detail) for the M.I. soldiers. Before going to Afghanistan, Michael was sent to train as a SDM (Squad designated marksman) at Ft. Benning, GA, train in Colorado Springs Colorado at multiple civilian contractor training courses and learned many roles of military intelligence during the time there and was designated as a team leader for multimedia exploitation and emplacing numerous cameras to in various areas of Afghanistan behind enemy lines to capture high value targets and IED emplacing Taliban teams. Michael’s primary job was as a gunner and SDM during the mission and served with Two SF units: ODA 9224 and 2221 of 19th group Special Forces as a machine gunner when needed.
On a mission on July 10, 2009 Mike along with units from the M.I. Battalion, ODA 9224 and other American Units were on a mission and Mike’s vehicle was hit with RPGs severely injuring Mike in the Gunner’s turret. Mike, unaware he was injured, continued to fight the enemy, eliminating the threat and helped get other injured comrades to safety to be medevac’d. As medical teams flew in, Mike began not to feel well and was told he was injured.
Mike suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, spinal contusion, shrapnel, abdominal wounds, partial blindness, left side paralysis, and other smaller injuries. Mike was bound to a wheelchair for the next seven months recovering at Landstuhl, Germany, Walter Reed and finally closer to home at BAMC (Brooke Army Medical Center) at Ft. Sam Houston, TX. After learning to walk again, and being discharged from service, Michael continued to go to medical appointments at the VA in Lubbock Texas. Almost a year after his injuries in Afghanistan in 2009, Michael went in for an MRI and discovered he had a rare brain condition known as Chiari Malformation as a result of the Traumatic Brain Injury in Afghanistan. He finally underwent brain Surgery on July 23, 2013 and once again is wheelchair bound, expected to walk again in the near future. Michael’s military awards include: Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with one oak cluster, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, OIF Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Action Badge, Texas Purple Heart, and the Texas Combat Service Medal.
After Michael came home in 2008 from Iraq, he again volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan with a military intelligence unit out of Austin Texas (636 Military Intelligence Bn.) as a PSD (protective security detail) for the M.I. soldiers. Before going to Afghanistan, Michael was sent to train as a SDM (Squad designated marksman) at Ft. Benning, GA, train in Colorado Springs Colorado at multiple civilian contractor training courses and learned many roles of military intelligence during the time there and was designated as a team leader for multimedia exploitation and emplacing numerous cameras to in various areas of Afghanistan behind enemy lines to capture high value targets and IED emplacing Taliban teams. Michael’s primary job was as a gunner and SDM during the mission and served with Two SF units: ODA 9224 and 2221 of 19th group Special Forces as a machine gunner when needed.
On a mission on July 10, 2009 Mike along with units from the M.I. Battalion, ODA 9224 and other American Units were on a mission and Mike’s vehicle was hit with RPGs severely injuring Mike in the Gunner’s turret. Mike, unaware he was injured, continued to fight the enemy, eliminating the threat and helped get other injured comrades to safety to be medevac’d. As medical teams flew in, Mike began not to feel well and was told he was injured.
Mike suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, spinal contusion, shrapnel, abdominal wounds, partial blindness, left side paralysis, and other smaller injuries. Mike was bound to a wheelchair for the next seven months recovering at Landstuhl, Germany, Walter Reed and finally closer to home at BAMC (Brooke Army Medical Center) at Ft. Sam Houston, TX. After learning to walk again, and being discharged from service, Michael continued to go to medical appointments at the VA in Lubbock Texas. Almost a year after his injuries in Afghanistan in 2009, Michael went in for an MRI and discovered he had a rare brain condition known as Chiari Malformation as a result of the Traumatic Brain Injury in Afghanistan. He finally underwent brain Surgery on July 23, 2013 and once again is wheelchair bound, expected to walk again in the near future. Michael’s military awards include: Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with one oak cluster, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, OIF Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Action Badge, Texas Purple Heart, and the Texas Combat Service Medal.
MARINE LCPL Hardy Mills
Lance Corporal Hardy Mills was born in Azle and raised in Millsap TX. In December of 2002, he joined the U.S. Marines, and deployed to Iraq with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force as an Artillery Forward Observer in January of 2004. On June 29th of that year, in the city of Fallujah during Operation Phantom Fury, one of the bloodiest engagements of the war, he was on top of a gun truck when he and a fellow Marine were struck by a mortar.
He was knocked unconscious and woke up with a hole in his back, and covered with blood.
For several days after the attack, he was unable to hear due to the explosion. His injuries included a lacerated spleen, broken scapula, severed leg artery, both lungs collapsed, infections, and severe burns among others.
The doctors said that he would probably not live through the night due to a tremendous loss of blood.
After being evacuated to Germany he went through three surgeries and then to Bethesda, Maryland where he went through more surgeries, including multiple skin grafts. It was there that he was told that he would never walk again,
but he proved them wrong. His numerous awards include the Purple Heart, a Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy Unit Citation, and two letters of appreciation, one coming from President Bush.
Corporal Mills has been medically retired from the Marine Corps and now lives with his wife Danielle and children Shane and Madelyn in FT Worth TX where he is working on a Masters Degree in Business Administration.
He was knocked unconscious and woke up with a hole in his back, and covered with blood.
For several days after the attack, he was unable to hear due to the explosion. His injuries included a lacerated spleen, broken scapula, severed leg artery, both lungs collapsed, infections, and severe burns among others.
The doctors said that he would probably not live through the night due to a tremendous loss of blood.
After being evacuated to Germany he went through three surgeries and then to Bethesda, Maryland where he went through more surgeries, including multiple skin grafts. It was there that he was told that he would never walk again,
but he proved them wrong. His numerous awards include the Purple Heart, a Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy Unit Citation, and two letters of appreciation, one coming from President Bush.
Corporal Mills has been medically retired from the Marine Corps and now lives with his wife Danielle and children Shane and Madelyn in FT Worth TX where he is working on a Masters Degree in Business Administration.
ARMY SGT - Jorge DeLeon (Coalition to Salute American Heroes)
Jorge joined U.S. Army in 2001 after eight years on the police force in Puerto Rico. On his fourth deployment to Afghanistan in April 2004, Jorge and his unit were on their way back to camp after a patrol through the region. Jorge was driving a Humvee, the lead vehicle of the convoy when it ran over an anti-tank mine.
Having taken the full brunt of the mine, Jorge was the only one injured in the explosion. His lost his right leg immediately in the explosion and his left leg was severely injured. He underwent a long recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and now wears a computer-controlled prosthetic leg.
Jorge briefly returned to law enforcement, working for the Department of Defense as a radio operator with the police department at Fort Sam Houston.
Today he is employed full time with CSAH as Director of the Family Support Network and CSAH Liaison to Brooke Army Medical Center. In addition, he serves as a the Assistant Vice President Midwest Region and National Spokesperson for CSAH to help to raise awareness for the organization and to inspire other wounded veterans to remain hopeful, even in times of extreme distress and isolation. Jorge’s story is one of perseverance that can be a model for those going through similar situations.
He resides in Texas with his wife and three young children.
Having taken the full brunt of the mine, Jorge was the only one injured in the explosion. His lost his right leg immediately in the explosion and his left leg was severely injured. He underwent a long recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and now wears a computer-controlled prosthetic leg.
Jorge briefly returned to law enforcement, working for the Department of Defense as a radio operator with the police department at Fort Sam Houston.
Today he is employed full time with CSAH as Director of the Family Support Network and CSAH Liaison to Brooke Army Medical Center. In addition, he serves as a the Assistant Vice President Midwest Region and National Spokesperson for CSAH to help to raise awareness for the organization and to inspire other wounded veterans to remain hopeful, even in times of extreme distress and isolation. Jorge’s story is one of perseverance that can be a model for those going through similar situations.
He resides in Texas with his wife and three young children.
MARINE SSGT Marcus Burleson
Staff Sergeant Burleson was born on Jan 1, 1981. He enlisted after attending Odessa College for two years and completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA in June of 2002.
Attended Marine Combat Training at School of Infantry, Camp Pendleton, CA, then attended Supply School at Camp Johnson, NC and graduated a 3043 on September 13 of 2002. Received orders to HQ 3rd Marines, MCB Hawaii and served as the Supply Admin Chief until Dec 2005. Received Orders to HQ MAG 13, MCAS Yuma, AZ in Dec of 2005, and served as the unit Supply Chief until Oct 2008.
Completed one tour of duty in Iraq as a squad leader for Marine Wing Security Battalion 372, while stationed with MAG 13. Screened for lateral move into EOD field and attended Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal School at Eglin AFB, Florida in March 2009.
Graduated EOD School in October 2009 and received orders to MCB Hawaii. Supported the Secret Service for the Presidents Hawaiian vacation in DEC 2010. Deployed to Papua New Guinea in support of JPAC from Aug to Sept 2010. Received orders to 2nd EOD Company, Camp Lajuene North Carolina. Deployed to Afghanistan as a team leader, with 2nd Platoon, from October 2011 until December 2011 where he was injured while attempting to render an IED safe.
His personal awards include Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, (3) Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, (1) Sea Service Deployment ribbon, 2 Navy Unit Citation, NATO ISAF Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Purple heart, Combat Action Ribbon.
Attended Marine Combat Training at School of Infantry, Camp Pendleton, CA, then attended Supply School at Camp Johnson, NC and graduated a 3043 on September 13 of 2002. Received orders to HQ 3rd Marines, MCB Hawaii and served as the Supply Admin Chief until Dec 2005. Received Orders to HQ MAG 13, MCAS Yuma, AZ in Dec of 2005, and served as the unit Supply Chief until Oct 2008.
Completed one tour of duty in Iraq as a squad leader for Marine Wing Security Battalion 372, while stationed with MAG 13. Screened for lateral move into EOD field and attended Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal School at Eglin AFB, Florida in March 2009.
Graduated EOD School in October 2009 and received orders to MCB Hawaii. Supported the Secret Service for the Presidents Hawaiian vacation in DEC 2010. Deployed to Papua New Guinea in support of JPAC from Aug to Sept 2010. Received orders to 2nd EOD Company, Camp Lajuene North Carolina. Deployed to Afghanistan as a team leader, with 2nd Platoon, from October 2011 until December 2011 where he was injured while attempting to render an IED safe.
His personal awards include Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, (3) Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, (1) Sea Service Deployment ribbon, 2 Navy Unit Citation, NATO ISAF Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Purple heart, Combat Action Ribbon.
MARINE SSGT James Ownbey
SSGT James S. Ownbey was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts at a naval hospital. Shortly after, his family moved to Long Island, New York, where he spent most of his childhood. At the age of 18, his family moved one more time to Florida. That is where he met his wife, Sandra, and they had two children. SSGT Ownbey spent a number of years working the family business as an electrician, but wanted something more. He then decided to join the police academy. During his time there, he developed a rapport with a number of Marines that were also attending. He then made his decision to join the Marine Corps. At the age of 27 he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves. After boot camp and a couple months of reserve time, SSGT Ownbey knew without a shadow of doubt he wanted to become an active duty Marine.
In January 2000, SSGT Ownbey reported to 2MAW MWSS 272 Utilities Platoon. There he deployed to two dynamic mixes, one was in Greece 2000 and the other was in Spain in 2002. He was awarded an Impact Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal for heading the utilities section in Spain. He, also, had one more child with his wife. He then deployed with MWSS 272 to Kuwait in February 2003, where he was head of the electrical section build of camp AL Jaber. He was awarded the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal for keeping undisrupted power to the camp and flight line during the 2003 invasion. When SSGT Ownbey’s contract was up, he decided to re-enlist as an Explosives Ordnance Disposal technician. He reported to NAVSCOLEOD April 2004. After completing his training, he reported 2nd MLG 8th ESB HNS CO EOD Platoon July 2005. In August of 2005, he deployed to Habbinayah, Iraq and conducted EOD combat operations. He rendered safe 176 IED’s and conducted 411 combat missions during his six month deployment. He was awarded a Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal with valor for his work. In February 2007, SSGT Ownbey returned to Iraq as a team leader to Fallujah, Iraq. He conducted over 300 combat missions, which included disrupting numerous IED’s. While in Iraq, SSGT Ownbey re-enlisted in the beginning of August 2007. On August 27, 2007, SSGT Ownbey and his team were responding to an IED call in the town of Karma. When they were on scene, the on-scene commander informed SSGT Ownbey where they had located the IED and where his troops were receiving small arms fire. SSGT Ownbey and his team rendered safe the first IED. SSGT Ownbey had seen no visible evidence of a secondary IED, while conducting the secondary search. After de-briefing the on-scene commander, SSGT Ownbey was informed of a possible IED down the road. The on-scene commander requested the EOD team to remain on scene. SSGT Ownbey told the on-scene commander that his team will take lead in the cougar vehicle and search the road ahead. The on-scene commander said he would put his vehicle up front, and SSGT Ownbey declined, because the cougar vehicle can withstand a blast better than the unit’s seven-ton. Upon taking lead, SSGT Ownbey’s team was passing a second IED crater when his cougar vehicle was attacked by an IED. The IED was estimated to be 300 lbs. TNT equivalent. The cougar vehicle was thrown approximately 30 ft. in the air, grabbed power lines and landed on its side. The entire team survived the attack, but was knocked unconscious for approximately five minutes. SSGT Ownbey was medevac to Balad, Iraq. He was diagnosed with TBI and sent home with his unit three weeks later. During his flight home, SSGT Ownbey developed complications from his injuries. The next day he went to the emergency room and it was discovered that he had a fractured back. Since then, SSGT Ownbey has developed further complications due to his injury. This has led to COPD, blood clots, swelling, headaches, pituitary dysfunction, TBI issues and back issues. In March 2009, SSGT Ownbey was medevac from Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital to Bethesda Naval Hospital where he was treated for pulmonary emboli and six broken ribs. Due to his medical complications, the Marine Corps moved SSGT Ownbey and his family to Bethesda Naval Hospital in April 2009. For his service in Iraq in 2007, SSGT Ownbey has received a Bronze Star with valor for combat operations and a Purple Heart for his injuries. He now is medically retired and lives with his family in West Virginia and travels to Walter Reed for continuing treatments and therapy.
In January 2000, SSGT Ownbey reported to 2MAW MWSS 272 Utilities Platoon. There he deployed to two dynamic mixes, one was in Greece 2000 and the other was in Spain in 2002. He was awarded an Impact Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal for heading the utilities section in Spain. He, also, had one more child with his wife. He then deployed with MWSS 272 to Kuwait in February 2003, where he was head of the electrical section build of camp AL Jaber. He was awarded the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal for keeping undisrupted power to the camp and flight line during the 2003 invasion. When SSGT Ownbey’s contract was up, he decided to re-enlist as an Explosives Ordnance Disposal technician. He reported to NAVSCOLEOD April 2004. After completing his training, he reported 2nd MLG 8th ESB HNS CO EOD Platoon July 2005. In August of 2005, he deployed to Habbinayah, Iraq and conducted EOD combat operations. He rendered safe 176 IED’s and conducted 411 combat missions during his six month deployment. He was awarded a Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal with valor for his work. In February 2007, SSGT Ownbey returned to Iraq as a team leader to Fallujah, Iraq. He conducted over 300 combat missions, which included disrupting numerous IED’s. While in Iraq, SSGT Ownbey re-enlisted in the beginning of August 2007. On August 27, 2007, SSGT Ownbey and his team were responding to an IED call in the town of Karma. When they were on scene, the on-scene commander informed SSGT Ownbey where they had located the IED and where his troops were receiving small arms fire. SSGT Ownbey and his team rendered safe the first IED. SSGT Ownbey had seen no visible evidence of a secondary IED, while conducting the secondary search. After de-briefing the on-scene commander, SSGT Ownbey was informed of a possible IED down the road. The on-scene commander requested the EOD team to remain on scene. SSGT Ownbey told the on-scene commander that his team will take lead in the cougar vehicle and search the road ahead. The on-scene commander said he would put his vehicle up front, and SSGT Ownbey declined, because the cougar vehicle can withstand a blast better than the unit’s seven-ton. Upon taking lead, SSGT Ownbey’s team was passing a second IED crater when his cougar vehicle was attacked by an IED. The IED was estimated to be 300 lbs. TNT equivalent. The cougar vehicle was thrown approximately 30 ft. in the air, grabbed power lines and landed on its side. The entire team survived the attack, but was knocked unconscious for approximately five minutes. SSGT Ownbey was medevac to Balad, Iraq. He was diagnosed with TBI and sent home with his unit three weeks later. During his flight home, SSGT Ownbey developed complications from his injuries. The next day he went to the emergency room and it was discovered that he had a fractured back. Since then, SSGT Ownbey has developed further complications due to his injury. This has led to COPD, blood clots, swelling, headaches, pituitary dysfunction, TBI issues and back issues. In March 2009, SSGT Ownbey was medevac from Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital to Bethesda Naval Hospital where he was treated for pulmonary emboli and six broken ribs. Due to his medical complications, the Marine Corps moved SSGT Ownbey and his family to Bethesda Naval Hospital in April 2009. For his service in Iraq in 2007, SSGT Ownbey has received a Bronze Star with valor for combat operations and a Purple Heart for his injuries. He now is medically retired and lives with his family in West Virginia and travels to Walter Reed for continuing treatments and therapy.
ARMY SSG Brian Boone
I am 40 yrs. old and recently retired from the Army as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician.
My wife and I have been married for sixteen years, and we have an eight year old son named Griffen.
I deployed with 129th EOD out of FT Lewis, Washington in 2011 to RC East Afghanistan. I was on a team that was conducting a route clearance mission when our vehicle struck an IED, resulting in my lower left leg being amputated, and brachial plexus in my right shoulder. I rehabilitated in San Antonio, TX, where we currently reside.
I will be attending Texas A&M to study Biology, and am applying to help with the San Antonio Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation. My wife is
currently home schooling Griffen, and enjoying life in San Antonio.
My wife and I have been married for sixteen years, and we have an eight year old son named Griffen.
I deployed with 129th EOD out of FT Lewis, Washington in 2011 to RC East Afghanistan. I was on a team that was conducting a route clearance mission when our vehicle struck an IED, resulting in my lower left leg being amputated, and brachial plexus in my right shoulder. I rehabilitated in San Antonio, TX, where we currently reside.
I will be attending Texas A&M to study Biology, and am applying to help with the San Antonio Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation. My wife is
currently home schooling Griffen, and enjoying life in San Antonio.
AIR FORCE TSGT Jamey Smith
I joined the air force after high school in 1990 I only had 1 real deployment. To Riyadh Saudi Arabia. I got to see the world in the next 4 years going on short T.D.Y.s. I left active duty and went to the Air National Guard and stayed until 1997. There, I got to work with the drug task force in Puerto Rico For a few months. I also started shooting competitively in pistol, rifle, shotgun, and submachine gun. I have always loved shooting, and I had some really great shooters helping me. One of the two teaches a lot of military and nuclear security guys. I was ranked in the top 10 at the sub gun nationalsin my first year.
I got married in 2000 so the shooting kinda went on hold, can't afford to feed all those guns when you've got to support a family. I joined the Army National Guard in 2000 as a Cav Scout. We were deployed to Iraq in 2003. We went to Mississippi where I trained to go up north and help run convoys for the next 6 months. In Nov 2003 we were in Kuwait Training and getting acclimated For a while before going into Iraq. My commander and first Sargent came to our platoon and asked for volunteers to go to Baghdad with a combat troop. I figured that I was older and had a better chance of helping out than most of our guys who were mostly just out of high school, so I threw my name in. After we got to Baghdad I had to prove myself to my new troop. They put me on over watches on the prim minister's routs. In March I was assigned to provide P.S.D for a Naval E.O.D team. I got to work with mobile unit 2 Det 2.
This was the time the people of Iraq had their first free elections. So to say we were busy would be putting it lightly. On September 8 we were hit by a suicide bomber in a car bomb. He had 65# of HME in a propane tank between the front seats of an opal. The blast was 7 feet from the side of our hummer. I was standing in the gunners hatch. After the blast, we took small arms fire. It was clear they had set an ambush for us and we drove right in. Of course I was unconscious or medicated from the time of the blast. So I don't remember much about the fight. I spent the next 3 and a half months in various hospitals. I got to come home the week before Christmas 2005. I was medically discharged in early 2006.
My time in Iraq was some of the best and worst times of my life. Now I'm teaching my son to shoot. I think he may like it more than I did at his age.
I got married in 2000 so the shooting kinda went on hold, can't afford to feed all those guns when you've got to support a family. I joined the Army National Guard in 2000 as a Cav Scout. We were deployed to Iraq in 2003. We went to Mississippi where I trained to go up north and help run convoys for the next 6 months. In Nov 2003 we were in Kuwait Training and getting acclimated For a while before going into Iraq. My commander and first Sargent came to our platoon and asked for volunteers to go to Baghdad with a combat troop. I figured that I was older and had a better chance of helping out than most of our guys who were mostly just out of high school, so I threw my name in. After we got to Baghdad I had to prove myself to my new troop. They put me on over watches on the prim minister's routs. In March I was assigned to provide P.S.D for a Naval E.O.D team. I got to work with mobile unit 2 Det 2.
This was the time the people of Iraq had their first free elections. So to say we were busy would be putting it lightly. On September 8 we were hit by a suicide bomber in a car bomb. He had 65# of HME in a propane tank between the front seats of an opal. The blast was 7 feet from the side of our hummer. I was standing in the gunners hatch. After the blast, we took small arms fire. It was clear they had set an ambush for us and we drove right in. Of course I was unconscious or medicated from the time of the blast. So I don't remember much about the fight. I spent the next 3 and a half months in various hospitals. I got to come home the week before Christmas 2005. I was medically discharged in early 2006.
My time in Iraq was some of the best and worst times of my life. Now I'm teaching my son to shoot. I think he may like it more than I did at his age.
MARINE MSGT Jack Canaday
I entered my freshman year of college in September 1989 after completing ROTC basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. I attended Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama. In October 1989 I was enrolled in the Alabama National Guard under the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP). While in school I was involved in several extracurricular para-military organizations. First was the Alamo Scout Reconnaissance Group. Next were the Swamp Fox Special Forces Group and lastly the Ranger Challenge ROTC team. Upon graduation in 1991 I returned home to Ohio to continue my education and receive a commission in the Ohio National Guard as an O-1. During this time I was awaiting the completion of my degree and serving as a Platoon Leader with Delta Company 1st Battalion 148th Infantry Regiment 73rd Infantry Brigade. I was only 19 years old when I was commissioned and far too young to have even the slightest of clues.
As fate would have it, I was unable to fund my education and was forced to resign my commission. On June 3rd 1993 I entered basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and reported to Patriot Missile Crewmember training in August at Fort Bliss, Texas. I received honors from both and upon completion was stationed with Bravo Battery, 4th Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery.
While stationed in Texas I rekindled my love for music and formed a band with fellow soldiers and actually gained a small amount of credibility and notoriety. While on active duty we toured all of Texas, on weekends of course, and managed to save quite a bit of money. In 1995 I was sent for 8 months to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia and remained there until the end of October 1995. It was then that I reunited with my bandmates and introduced to my wife Gina. After a week Gina and I were wed in the Bell County Courthouse in Killeen, Texas. We returned to our separate lives and started a torrid love affair that continues today. I was discharged from the Army in June of 1996 and I became Gina's dependent.
At this point in time me and my bandmates went all in on the music and spent our hard earned money to cut an album. This was a big deal for us and opened quite a few doors. During this time my bride became pregnant with our oldest Joseph and I worked as a copier repair technician for Minolta. Life was great until Gina came down on 13 month unaccompanied orders to Korea when our son was just six months old. We then made the decision to switch roles and I would enlist in the Marine Corps and, yet again, leave music behind.
In March of 1998 I reported aboard MCRD San Diego. The wife moved home with our son and I trained in NAS Pensacola, FL and MCAS Cherry Point, NC to become an Aviation Weapons Systems Repair Technician. From start to reunion this took a full year.
My first duty station in March of 1999 was MCAS Miramar, CA with H&S station weapons. During this time our second child was born, Joshua. When reenlistment time came in 2002 I decided to make a bold change, not really knowing what I was asking for. 911 was still fresh and I wanted to do more so I laterally moved to Explosive Ordnance Disposal. This meant yet another move this time to Eglin AFB, FL. We packed up the family and drove to NAVSCOLEOD in July 2002.
In February 2003 I reported in to an empty shop save two other Marines. The rest were in Kuwait getting ready to invade Iraq. In June 2003 I was sent to Kabul, Afghanistan to relieve the Marines in place at the Embassy.
This was a great deployment and I learned so much in a very short time. I laid my hands on more foreign ordnance than most of the techs before me saw in their entire career. We endured some protests, a huge firefight with our neighbors and destroyed a lot of ordnance.
After I returned In October 2003 I given a "break" and sent to the supply bay for duty. The first opportunity to leave happened to be the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in March of 2004. After a VERY expedited workup we found ourselves in FOB Kalsu in the northern Babil Province of Iraq right smack dab in the middle of the Sunni triangle. After 6 months of IED's, mortars, rockets, starving, firefights and watching my friends get schwacked I was medivaced to Germany when I forgot to duck on the 2nd of January 2005. This was schwacking number 2 for me. I spent close to a month in Germany.
When I came home finally, I got 30 days convo leave. I was given another "break" and sent to station MCAS Cherry Point in April of 2005. I was a slick-bomb Staff Sergeant, and I ran three EOD teams. We were the bomb squad for 18 counties. Unknown at the time I lived with 2 undiagnosed traumatic brain injuries. I stayed on response call 24/7 for 2 years. I went through three OIC's and was then sent to Fallujah, Iraq for a solid year with II MEF.
I spent the entire year of 2007 in Iraq. Upon return to the states in 2008, I reported to the Naval EOD Technology Division in Indian Head, Maryland in August. After two years of Tech Div I was sent to 1st EOD Company, CA.
So we packed up the family truckster and drove all the way out to Camp Pendleton from Maryland. It was August 2010 and the company had lost a lot of Marines. It was a sad time. I stuck around and was promoted to EOD Chief and we deployed in 2012 to Leatherneck. While there, Bastion got attacked and after 6 months of hell, I was done. I returned home and am now awaiting the end of my career.
As fate would have it, I was unable to fund my education and was forced to resign my commission. On June 3rd 1993 I entered basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and reported to Patriot Missile Crewmember training in August at Fort Bliss, Texas. I received honors from both and upon completion was stationed with Bravo Battery, 4th Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery.
While stationed in Texas I rekindled my love for music and formed a band with fellow soldiers and actually gained a small amount of credibility and notoriety. While on active duty we toured all of Texas, on weekends of course, and managed to save quite a bit of money. In 1995 I was sent for 8 months to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia and remained there until the end of October 1995. It was then that I reunited with my bandmates and introduced to my wife Gina. After a week Gina and I were wed in the Bell County Courthouse in Killeen, Texas. We returned to our separate lives and started a torrid love affair that continues today. I was discharged from the Army in June of 1996 and I became Gina's dependent.
At this point in time me and my bandmates went all in on the music and spent our hard earned money to cut an album. This was a big deal for us and opened quite a few doors. During this time my bride became pregnant with our oldest Joseph and I worked as a copier repair technician for Minolta. Life was great until Gina came down on 13 month unaccompanied orders to Korea when our son was just six months old. We then made the decision to switch roles and I would enlist in the Marine Corps and, yet again, leave music behind.
In March of 1998 I reported aboard MCRD San Diego. The wife moved home with our son and I trained in NAS Pensacola, FL and MCAS Cherry Point, NC to become an Aviation Weapons Systems Repair Technician. From start to reunion this took a full year.
My first duty station in March of 1999 was MCAS Miramar, CA with H&S station weapons. During this time our second child was born, Joshua. When reenlistment time came in 2002 I decided to make a bold change, not really knowing what I was asking for. 911 was still fresh and I wanted to do more so I laterally moved to Explosive Ordnance Disposal. This meant yet another move this time to Eglin AFB, FL. We packed up the family and drove to NAVSCOLEOD in July 2002.
In February 2003 I reported in to an empty shop save two other Marines. The rest were in Kuwait getting ready to invade Iraq. In June 2003 I was sent to Kabul, Afghanistan to relieve the Marines in place at the Embassy.
This was a great deployment and I learned so much in a very short time. I laid my hands on more foreign ordnance than most of the techs before me saw in their entire career. We endured some protests, a huge firefight with our neighbors and destroyed a lot of ordnance.
After I returned In October 2003 I given a "break" and sent to the supply bay for duty. The first opportunity to leave happened to be the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in March of 2004. After a VERY expedited workup we found ourselves in FOB Kalsu in the northern Babil Province of Iraq right smack dab in the middle of the Sunni triangle. After 6 months of IED's, mortars, rockets, starving, firefights and watching my friends get schwacked I was medivaced to Germany when I forgot to duck on the 2nd of January 2005. This was schwacking number 2 for me. I spent close to a month in Germany.
When I came home finally, I got 30 days convo leave. I was given another "break" and sent to station MCAS Cherry Point in April of 2005. I was a slick-bomb Staff Sergeant, and I ran three EOD teams. We were the bomb squad for 18 counties. Unknown at the time I lived with 2 undiagnosed traumatic brain injuries. I stayed on response call 24/7 for 2 years. I went through three OIC's and was then sent to Fallujah, Iraq for a solid year with II MEF.
I spent the entire year of 2007 in Iraq. Upon return to the states in 2008, I reported to the Naval EOD Technology Division in Indian Head, Maryland in August. After two years of Tech Div I was sent to 1st EOD Company, CA.
So we packed up the family truckster and drove all the way out to Camp Pendleton from Maryland. It was August 2010 and the company had lost a lot of Marines. It was a sad time. I stuck around and was promoted to EOD Chief and we deployed in 2012 to Leatherneck. While there, Bastion got attacked and after 6 months of hell, I was done. I returned home and am now awaiting the end of my career.
MARINE SGT Ben Rangel
Benjamin Rangel enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17 while still in high school. He graduated from Plano East Senior High School in Plano, Texas. He entered the United States Marine Corps basic training On November 4th, 2003, at the age of 18 Sgt. Rangel graduated from boot camp earning the title of United States Marine on February 6 2004.
Next was Infantry Training Battalion at Camp Pendleton where he earned his infantry MOS. Sgt. Rangel checked in to his first duty station as a Private First Class to 2nd Battalion 5th Marines 1st Marine Division, he was appointed to Fox Company. His first deployment was on September 1st 2004 to April 2005 to Al Anbar Providence to the city of Ar-Ramadi Iraq. Sgt. Rangel served as the platoon marksman, He was wounded on October 26, 2004 and was the one the only junior Marine that received a Navy and Marine Corps Achivement medal with “V” distingusing device for his actions in combat. He’s second deployment was to Okinawa Japan with the 31st Marine Expetionary Unit from December 2005 to June 2006. Where he served as a team leader during operations to countries of Guam, Thailand, Korea and Philipines where they conducted anti terrorism security for the Balikatan Excersice. He’s third deployment from March 2007 to October 2007 after a voluntary extention of his contract, was back to Al Anbar Providence the city of Ar Ramadi Iraq where he re-enlisting two blocks from the area where he had been wounded back in 2004,
In late 2007, Sgt. Rangel received orders and reported to 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division as part of the Inspector Instructor staff, he was assigned to Alpha Company. Immediately after getting there he became the training chief taking over a job that was above his rank, Sgt. Rangel served as the training chief in charge of over 250 Marines readiness for deployment, annual training and infantry tactics from January 2008 until November 2011. He was the honor guard Sgt where he performed over 200 funeral details and 50 color guards. He was also the coordinator for toys for tots a Marine Corps Reserves program created to help the community during the holidays.
On November 19, 2011, after eight years of service, Sgt. Rangel was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps.
He returned to Collin County Texas, to pursue a college degree, Soon after returning he became involved with an at risk community service program. In 2013, Sgt. Rangel became the program director, mentoring and coordinating over 100 at risk students
Sgt Rangel is married with three daughters and currently resides in McKinney Texas.
Next was Infantry Training Battalion at Camp Pendleton where he earned his infantry MOS. Sgt. Rangel checked in to his first duty station as a Private First Class to 2nd Battalion 5th Marines 1st Marine Division, he was appointed to Fox Company. His first deployment was on September 1st 2004 to April 2005 to Al Anbar Providence to the city of Ar-Ramadi Iraq. Sgt. Rangel served as the platoon marksman, He was wounded on October 26, 2004 and was the one the only junior Marine that received a Navy and Marine Corps Achivement medal with “V” distingusing device for his actions in combat. He’s second deployment was to Okinawa Japan with the 31st Marine Expetionary Unit from December 2005 to June 2006. Where he served as a team leader during operations to countries of Guam, Thailand, Korea and Philipines where they conducted anti terrorism security for the Balikatan Excersice. He’s third deployment from March 2007 to October 2007 after a voluntary extention of his contract, was back to Al Anbar Providence the city of Ar Ramadi Iraq where he re-enlisting two blocks from the area where he had been wounded back in 2004,
In late 2007, Sgt. Rangel received orders and reported to 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division as part of the Inspector Instructor staff, he was assigned to Alpha Company. Immediately after getting there he became the training chief taking over a job that was above his rank, Sgt. Rangel served as the training chief in charge of over 250 Marines readiness for deployment, annual training and infantry tactics from January 2008 until November 2011. He was the honor guard Sgt where he performed over 200 funeral details and 50 color guards. He was also the coordinator for toys for tots a Marine Corps Reserves program created to help the community during the holidays.
On November 19, 2011, after eight years of service, Sgt. Rangel was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps.
He returned to Collin County Texas, to pursue a college degree, Soon after returning he became involved with an at risk community service program. In 2013, Sgt. Rangel became the program director, mentoring and coordinating over 100 at risk students
Sgt Rangel is married with three daughters and currently resides in McKinney Texas.
ARMY SFC Michael Nasche
Joined the Army as an Airborne Infantryman after graduating High school in 1999.
Served in the 82nd Airborne Division from 2000-2003
Recruited for the Army in Dallas from 2003-2005
Served in the 1st Cavalry Division from 2005-2008 with a 15 month Tour to Iraq from 2006-2008
Joined the Army Reserves in 2008 and served on Active Duty for an additional 3 years from 2009 -2012
In 2012 I left Active Duty and started working in Oil & Gas, in 2014 I started my own Consulting Firm to support Service Connected Disabled Veterans like myself, helping them find meaningful employment and helping companies build Veterans Resource Groups in order to make a difference in the lives of Veterans.
Served in the 82nd Airborne Division from 2000-2003
Recruited for the Army in Dallas from 2003-2005
Served in the 1st Cavalry Division from 2005-2008 with a 15 month Tour to Iraq from 2006-2008
Joined the Army Reserves in 2008 and served on Active Duty for an additional 3 years from 2009 -2012
In 2012 I left Active Duty and started working in Oil & Gas, in 2014 I started my own Consulting Firm to support Service Connected Disabled Veterans like myself, helping them find meaningful employment and helping companies build Veterans Resource Groups in order to make a difference in the lives of Veterans.
ARMY SPC Dillon Cannon
U.S. Army Specialist Dillon Cannon was born in Sugar Land on June 10, 1986 and was an “only” child to parents Bob and Patti for almost 10 years when his sister, Kelsey was born. After Kelsey's birth, Bob and Patti joked that he might be jealous of the new baby since he was the “child prince” for so long. Dillon was very excited to become a big brother and was the first person after Patti to hold little Kelsey soon after her birth. Needless to say he is very proud and protective of his little sister, and that protective streak has carried on throughout Dillon’s entire life.
The Cannon family lived a rather normal life in Sugar Land, until Dillon one day announced that he was joining the Army. His friends and family knew that he was passionate about the military, so they supported him completely. Little did they know that their lives were going to be turned upside down right from the start of Dillon’s military career.
He reported in the Spring of 2005 to Ft. Lenardwood, MO for his basic training and graduated from that as well as Military Police school in August of the same year.
After graduation, Dillon returned home on leave for around two weeks and then reported to Ft. Lewis, WA for duty with the 571st MP Company. In late Sept. ’05, soon after Dillon left for Ft. Lewis, the family discovered that Bob had pancreatic cancer and was terminal. He passed very shortly thereafter on January 8, 2006.
Just 9 months later, in October of the same year, Dillon was sent to Kuwait for 3 weeks of pre-deployment training and then on to the battlegrounds of Iraq. His unit was assigned to Forward Operating Base, Baqubah, Iraq for the next 14 months.
Dillon and his platoon were on the ground for only a few weeks when they were sent on a personnel escort mission, simply traveling from one base to another.
The beginning of the mission began routinely enough, but while in route to the other base, they received a call about a possible roadside bomb or improvised explosive device. The convoy stopped at that point to secure the area and wait until the explosive ordinance disposal team arrived. Dillon was a turret gunner, conducting security operations in a Humvee during the convoy. He was in his turret observing surroundings when off from a distance a snipers bullet ripped through his neck causing immediate paralysis and the beginning of a new chapter in his life as a soldier.
Dillon was stabilized and medevac’d within hours to Germany where he underwent 11 hours of surgery to repair his c6 and c7 vertebrae using bone graphs from his hip. From there, he spent about a month at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C. recovering from severe pneumonia, and then another 2 months at the Michael E. DeBakey VA hospital in Houston, Tx.
Dillon is now a tetraplegic, which means he has no movement from below his chest. He does have good arm movement and very limited hand movement, but no dexterity in his fingers.
Since his initial injury, Dillon has undergone 2 more surgical procedures and a two month, in-patient stay at a physical and occupational rehab hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dillon was previously awarded a new, handicapped accessible home with a completely fenced back yard. He stays involved with a few charitable organizations and is currently taking scuba diving lessons and running the organization "Team Defiant" with his friend, Spencer. Together, these two take wounded Veterans like Dillon out to enjoy various activities and events.
Dillon met Sarah in October of 2013. She was managing an apartment complex in College Station, where she lives. She now makes frequent visits to see Dillon at his home in Richmond and in every moment captured, their happiness shows profoundly. Sarah organized a surprise fundraiser in January of 2014 towards an adaptable truck for Dillon.
“Dillon is doing remarkably well considering what he has been through. He is always laughing and staying busy. He has a strong network of friends and family, as well as local members of his community, who support him endlessly”, said Patti.
The Cannon family lived a rather normal life in Sugar Land, until Dillon one day announced that he was joining the Army. His friends and family knew that he was passionate about the military, so they supported him completely. Little did they know that their lives were going to be turned upside down right from the start of Dillon’s military career.
He reported in the Spring of 2005 to Ft. Lenardwood, MO for his basic training and graduated from that as well as Military Police school in August of the same year.
After graduation, Dillon returned home on leave for around two weeks and then reported to Ft. Lewis, WA for duty with the 571st MP Company. In late Sept. ’05, soon after Dillon left for Ft. Lewis, the family discovered that Bob had pancreatic cancer and was terminal. He passed very shortly thereafter on January 8, 2006.
Just 9 months later, in October of the same year, Dillon was sent to Kuwait for 3 weeks of pre-deployment training and then on to the battlegrounds of Iraq. His unit was assigned to Forward Operating Base, Baqubah, Iraq for the next 14 months.
Dillon and his platoon were on the ground for only a few weeks when they were sent on a personnel escort mission, simply traveling from one base to another.
The beginning of the mission began routinely enough, but while in route to the other base, they received a call about a possible roadside bomb or improvised explosive device. The convoy stopped at that point to secure the area and wait until the explosive ordinance disposal team arrived. Dillon was a turret gunner, conducting security operations in a Humvee during the convoy. He was in his turret observing surroundings when off from a distance a snipers bullet ripped through his neck causing immediate paralysis and the beginning of a new chapter in his life as a soldier.
Dillon was stabilized and medevac’d within hours to Germany where he underwent 11 hours of surgery to repair his c6 and c7 vertebrae using bone graphs from his hip. From there, he spent about a month at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C. recovering from severe pneumonia, and then another 2 months at the Michael E. DeBakey VA hospital in Houston, Tx.
Dillon is now a tetraplegic, which means he has no movement from below his chest. He does have good arm movement and very limited hand movement, but no dexterity in his fingers.
Since his initial injury, Dillon has undergone 2 more surgical procedures and a two month, in-patient stay at a physical and occupational rehab hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dillon was previously awarded a new, handicapped accessible home with a completely fenced back yard. He stays involved with a few charitable organizations and is currently taking scuba diving lessons and running the organization "Team Defiant" with his friend, Spencer. Together, these two take wounded Veterans like Dillon out to enjoy various activities and events.
Dillon met Sarah in October of 2013. She was managing an apartment complex in College Station, where she lives. She now makes frequent visits to see Dillon at his home in Richmond and in every moment captured, their happiness shows profoundly. Sarah organized a surprise fundraiser in January of 2014 towards an adaptable truck for Dillon.
“Dillon is doing remarkably well considering what he has been through. He is always laughing and staying busy. He has a strong network of friends and family, as well as local members of his community, who support him endlessly”, said Patti.
MARINE GYSGT Samuel Deeds
Sam Deeds was born in Bangor, ME on 2 Oct 1977. He graduated from Penobscot Valley High School in 1997. His military education includes, Recruit Training Battalion, School of Infantry (Infantry Training Battalion), Recruiter School, and MV-22 Basic Mechanics Course.
Upon completion of Recruit Training Parris Island, SC, PFC Deeds reported to School of Infantry, Infantry Training Battalion, Camp Geiger NC in Sept 97 for his formal training. Subsequently, PFC Deeds reported to 2D Marine Division, 2D Battalion 8th Marines, Golf Company, where during this time with the unit PFC Deeds was promoted from Private First Class to Lance Corporal and Corporal. He held billets from Rifleman to Fire Team Leader and Company Police Sergeant. He deployed to Okinawa, Japan/ Pohang, South Korea/ Port-au-Prince, Haiti/ and Thessaloniki, Greece. In September 2000 he made a PCA move to 2D Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion where he served as the Senior Scout and Scout Instructor. In January 2001 Sgt Deeds reported to the Basic Recruiters Course at MCRD San Diego, CA and graduated in February 2001, upon completion of the course and PCS leave Sgt Deeds reported to Recruiting Station Louisville, KY, Recruiting Sub-Station Florence, KY. After completing a successful three year tour on recruiting duty Sgt Deeds ended back with 8th Marines once again, this time in 3rd Battalion 8th Marines. Ten days after reporting into his new unit Sgt Deeds found himself in Port-au-Prince, Haiti for the second tour. This time he was in a different role not as a junior Marine but as the Platoon Sergeant for 2D Platoon, Kilo Company where he would stay until he was wounded in Iraq only 63 days into his deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom by an improvised explosive device (IED) while warning his fellow Marines of the threat. Deeds had sustained a 1/3 open tibia fracture of the left tibia, two broken metacarpals in his left hand, multiple shrapnel wounds to the left thigh, left forearm, right groin and a grade two concussion. This was the second IED blast in just 30 days. During a long recovery period and waiting for the Battalion to return from Iraq Sgt Deeds assisted other wounded Marines from the Battalion and helped transitioning Marines exit the Corps. In November 2005 Sgt Deeds was promoted to Staff Sergeant and made a PCA move to 6th Marine Regiment and serve as the Regimental Operations Chief. While at 6th Marines SSgt Deeds assisted an under manned 1st Battalion 9th Marines to deploy to Iraq to relieve the Anti-Terrorist Battalion in their efforts to fight against the war on terror. In June 2006 SSgt Deeds made to lateral move and a PCS move to Marine Medium Training Squadron 204 to serve as a MV-22 Tiltrotor Mechanic. He has also held the billets of Substance Abuse Control Officer, Equal Opportunity Representative, Assistant Ball Fund Coordinator, and Squadron Gunnery Sergeant. On September 11, 2008 while vacationing with family Deeds saved the lives of three distressed swimmers that were caught in a rip current of the coast of North Carolina. This was just five weeks after having an abdominal surgery. On October 1 2009 Deeds was promoted to his current rank of Gunnery Sergeant. Having under gone 30+ surgeries and procedures since 2005 and not being capable of performing the basic tasks of a Marine, GySgt Deeds was medically retired on October 1 2011. Since retiring from the Marine Corps Deeds has undergone more surgeries and procedures bringing the total close to 40. He is currently a stay at home dad. Deeds has also spoken and appeared at many events as an ambassador for the Armed Forces Foundation to help raise awareness and support for Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury. Some of those events include The Ripon Society breakfast on Sept 11, 2013, Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction Scottsdale, AZ on Jan 17-19 2014 where Deeds helped raise $1 million. Ron White’s 2014 Comedy Salute to the Troops which aired on CMT Mar 23 2014, and the Congressional Gala in Washington DC on April 9 2014. On Dec 3 2013 Deeds completed his training and became a Certified Peer Mentor for the Wounded Warrior Project. Deeds was inducted into the Impact A Hero Hall of Fame on May 18 2014 in Houston, TX. On Nov 9 2014 Deeds appeared with Jon Taffer host of Spike TVs Bar Rescue for a Veterans Day Marathon of the hit TV show.
GySgt Deeds’ personal awards include a Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/ gold Star in lieu of second award, and Combat Action Ribbon. GySgt Deeds was also commissioned a Kentucky Colonel on Dec 11 2002, awarded the Presidents Call to Service Award for volunteer service, nominated for the 2008 Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Award, nominated and recognized for the 2009 John Archer Lejeune Award of Bravery, and nominated for the 2009 USO Marine of the Year Award. On July 28, 2013 Deeds had the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway renamed in his honor. The official name of the race was: Crown Royal Presents the Samuel Deeds 400 at the Brickyard Powered by Big Machine Records.com. Deeds is also a recipient of The State of Maine Silver Star Honorable Service Medal.
He is married to the former Ms. April Beck of Florence, KY. They have two children, sons; Micah and Myles
Upon completion of Recruit Training Parris Island, SC, PFC Deeds reported to School of Infantry, Infantry Training Battalion, Camp Geiger NC in Sept 97 for his formal training. Subsequently, PFC Deeds reported to 2D Marine Division, 2D Battalion 8th Marines, Golf Company, where during this time with the unit PFC Deeds was promoted from Private First Class to Lance Corporal and Corporal. He held billets from Rifleman to Fire Team Leader and Company Police Sergeant. He deployed to Okinawa, Japan/ Pohang, South Korea/ Port-au-Prince, Haiti/ and Thessaloniki, Greece. In September 2000 he made a PCA move to 2D Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion where he served as the Senior Scout and Scout Instructor. In January 2001 Sgt Deeds reported to the Basic Recruiters Course at MCRD San Diego, CA and graduated in February 2001, upon completion of the course and PCS leave Sgt Deeds reported to Recruiting Station Louisville, KY, Recruiting Sub-Station Florence, KY. After completing a successful three year tour on recruiting duty Sgt Deeds ended back with 8th Marines once again, this time in 3rd Battalion 8th Marines. Ten days after reporting into his new unit Sgt Deeds found himself in Port-au-Prince, Haiti for the second tour. This time he was in a different role not as a junior Marine but as the Platoon Sergeant for 2D Platoon, Kilo Company where he would stay until he was wounded in Iraq only 63 days into his deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom by an improvised explosive device (IED) while warning his fellow Marines of the threat. Deeds had sustained a 1/3 open tibia fracture of the left tibia, two broken metacarpals in his left hand, multiple shrapnel wounds to the left thigh, left forearm, right groin and a grade two concussion. This was the second IED blast in just 30 days. During a long recovery period and waiting for the Battalion to return from Iraq Sgt Deeds assisted other wounded Marines from the Battalion and helped transitioning Marines exit the Corps. In November 2005 Sgt Deeds was promoted to Staff Sergeant and made a PCA move to 6th Marine Regiment and serve as the Regimental Operations Chief. While at 6th Marines SSgt Deeds assisted an under manned 1st Battalion 9th Marines to deploy to Iraq to relieve the Anti-Terrorist Battalion in their efforts to fight against the war on terror. In June 2006 SSgt Deeds made to lateral move and a PCS move to Marine Medium Training Squadron 204 to serve as a MV-22 Tiltrotor Mechanic. He has also held the billets of Substance Abuse Control Officer, Equal Opportunity Representative, Assistant Ball Fund Coordinator, and Squadron Gunnery Sergeant. On September 11, 2008 while vacationing with family Deeds saved the lives of three distressed swimmers that were caught in a rip current of the coast of North Carolina. This was just five weeks after having an abdominal surgery. On October 1 2009 Deeds was promoted to his current rank of Gunnery Sergeant. Having under gone 30+ surgeries and procedures since 2005 and not being capable of performing the basic tasks of a Marine, GySgt Deeds was medically retired on October 1 2011. Since retiring from the Marine Corps Deeds has undergone more surgeries and procedures bringing the total close to 40. He is currently a stay at home dad. Deeds has also spoken and appeared at many events as an ambassador for the Armed Forces Foundation to help raise awareness and support for Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury. Some of those events include The Ripon Society breakfast on Sept 11, 2013, Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction Scottsdale, AZ on Jan 17-19 2014 where Deeds helped raise $1 million. Ron White’s 2014 Comedy Salute to the Troops which aired on CMT Mar 23 2014, and the Congressional Gala in Washington DC on April 9 2014. On Dec 3 2013 Deeds completed his training and became a Certified Peer Mentor for the Wounded Warrior Project. Deeds was inducted into the Impact A Hero Hall of Fame on May 18 2014 in Houston, TX. On Nov 9 2014 Deeds appeared with Jon Taffer host of Spike TVs Bar Rescue for a Veterans Day Marathon of the hit TV show.
GySgt Deeds’ personal awards include a Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/ gold Star in lieu of second award, and Combat Action Ribbon. GySgt Deeds was also commissioned a Kentucky Colonel on Dec 11 2002, awarded the Presidents Call to Service Award for volunteer service, nominated for the 2008 Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Award, nominated and recognized for the 2009 John Archer Lejeune Award of Bravery, and nominated for the 2009 USO Marine of the Year Award. On July 28, 2013 Deeds had the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway renamed in his honor. The official name of the race was: Crown Royal Presents the Samuel Deeds 400 at the Brickyard Powered by Big Machine Records.com. Deeds is also a recipient of The State of Maine Silver Star Honorable Service Medal.
He is married to the former Ms. April Beck of Florence, KY. They have two children, sons; Micah and Myles
ARMY CSM Victor Manuel Garcia
Command Sgt. Maj Victor M. Garcia was the Defense Commissary Agency’s senior enlisted advisor to the director from 2008 to 2011. He was responsible for advising the DeCA director on the needs of enlisted service members related to the commissary benefit and serving as the agency liaison with the senior enlisted chiefs of the armed services.
Command Sergeant Major Garcia began his military career in 1977, when he enlisted in the Army Reserve in Puerto Rico. His 34-year military career includes seven years in the Army Reserve and 27 years on active duty as a member of the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) program.
While assigned to the only Mortuary Affairs battalion in the Army structure as an operation sergeant, Command Sergeant Major Garcia deployed the 311th Quartermaster Company in less than 72 hours to support victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the Pentagon. The 311th remained on active duty for one year, assigned to Fort Myer and Fort Lee, Va.
Command Sergeant Major Garcia has served as a reserve liaison for the 65th Regional Readiness Command
(1st Mission Support Command) in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Army Reserve Command in Atlanta, Ga., and the Mortuary Affairs Center at Fort Lee. He also served in Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Kuwait supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as the G - 4 (Logistics) Sergeant Major for the 1st Theater Sustainment Command from Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Legion of Merit
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (4 oak leaf clusters)
Army Commendation Medal (1 silver oak leaf cluster)
Army Achievement Medal (3 oak leaf clusters)
Good Conduct Medal (7 bronze claps)
Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (1 oak leaf cluster)
National Defense Service Medal (2 Service Stars)
Southwest Asia Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with ‘M’ device and gold hourglass)
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Government of Kuwait)
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
EDUCATION
2003, Master of Business Administration, Trident University International
2000, graduate, U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy (in residence), Fort Bliss, Texas
1996, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Inter - American University, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
CAREER CHRONOLOGY
Jan-Apr 2012, Logistics Management Specialist GS-12/ United States Army South, San Antonio, TX
2008 - 2011, Senior Enlisted Advisor, Defense Commissary Agency, Fort Lee, Va.
2006 - 2008, G-4 (Logistics) Sergeant Major, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, Fort Bragg, N.C.
2005, Command Sergeant Major, 210th Regional Support Group, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
2004, Command Readiness Sergeant Major, 65th Regional Readiness Command, Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico
2002, Senior Logistics Service Supervisor and Command Sergeant Major, 166th Area Support Group, Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico
2000, Operations Sergeant and Command Sergeant Major, 394th Quartermaster Supply and Services Battalion, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
1997, First Sergeant, 266th Ordnance Company (AMMO), Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
1995, Operations Sergeant and Acting Command Sergeant Major, 246th Quartermaster Battalion (Mortuary Affairs), Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
1992, Platoon Sergeant/Training NCO, 630th Quartermaster Company (Mortuary Affairs), New Orleans, La.
1985, Platoon Sergeant/Training NCO, 311th Quartermaster Company (Mortuary Affairs), Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
1985, Joined Active Guard Reserve (AGR) program, San Juan, Puerto Rico
1983, Instructor, Primary Leadership Development Course, Atlanta, Ga.
1978, Section Sergeant/Team Chief, Second U.S. Army NCO Academy, 807th Signal Company (Cable Construction), San Juan, Puerto Rico
1977, Enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve, Puerto Rico
PROMOTIONS
2002, command sergeant major
2001, sergeant major
1995, master sergeant
1990, sergeant first class
1986, staff sergeant
1983, sergeant
1980, specialist/corporal
1978, private first class
1977, private E-2
ARMY SPECIAL FORCES CSM Charles “Buddy”
Blue
Long time DZ owner.
37 Total years of military service.
28 Years in Special Forces
13,280 Total jumps – Military and Sport
Master Parachute Badge, HALO Jump Master, Pathfinder, SF Tab, Ranger Tab, SF 18C, 18F, and SGM Academy
Currently resides in Opelika, Alabama
37 Total years of military service.
28 Years in Special Forces
13,280 Total jumps – Military and Sport
Master Parachute Badge, HALO Jump Master, Pathfinder, SF Tab, Ranger Tab, SF 18C, 18F, and SGM Academy
Currently resides in Opelika, Alabama
MARINE SGT James Dooley
James Dooley is a 12 year combat veteran of the Marine Corps. I have been blessed with an amazing wife of 7 years and two beautiful children, Danika age 4 and Kolten age 3. I have successfully completed 5 combat tours, four to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. During the last deployment to Afghanistan I sustained two bulging and compressed disks in my lower back due to the jumping of canals while engaged in foot patrols and firefights. This injury has required an implant be placed in my spine in order to control the pain. I am currently going through the medical retirement process and should be will be retired April 29th.
I was introduced to the EOD Warrior Foundation through my wife, Sarah, and also through the Boulder Crest Retreat Center. The men and women that I have met have been an extremely humbling experience and has been an amazing opportunity to talk and share stories. The hardest part about being a combat veteran a lot of the time, is having someone that you can talk and relate to, which this program has afforded myself.
I was introduced to the EOD Warrior Foundation through my wife, Sarah, and also through the Boulder Crest Retreat Center. The men and women that I have met have been an extremely humbling experience and has been an amazing opportunity to talk and share stories. The hardest part about being a combat veteran a lot of the time, is having someone that you can talk and relate to, which this program has afforded myself.
How You Can Help
Invest in the healing and recovery of our service men and women by getting involved in our organization as a sponsor, donor, or volunteer. The time or money you donate will have a lasting positive effect on the lives of our disabled veterans. Help us lift their spirits and let them know that their sacrifices will not be forgotten.