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I was born on 21 January 1984. I joined the Army as a Combat Engineer
on 27 of August 2002, just after high school graduation. I left for Basic
training on 28 August 2002 and was assigned to E company.
On 9 January 2003 I arrived at my first duty station, the 54th Engineer Battalion
in Bamberg Germany. I was only there for about one month, and we were then deployed to Kuwait in
anticipation of the invasion into Iraq. On 23 March 2003 we crossed the border into Iraq. I served
10 months during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
After that deployment I was sent back to Iraq two years later. We were stationed in
Ramadi, Iraq. We were conducting Route Clearance missions there. I had been in Ramadi for 10 months with
only 2 to go until re-deployment. On 11 September 2006 we were on a mission around 2300 hours and my
squad's vehicle was hit by a buried I.E.D. in the center of the road/intersection. As a result of this
incident, our driver was killed. Our gunner and squad leader and I were seriously injured. I had a broken
back in three places; a broken left heel, a broken right ankle, a broken jaw, 12 broken teeth, and class
2 concussions. I was MEDEVACed back to Germany, where my wife, 6-year-old son, and 5-month-old daughter
were able to see me. I stayed in that hospital for about 2 weeks and then was moved to Walter Reed Medical
Center. I stayed at Walter Reed for about 1 month without my wife and children with me. Then I asked to
return to Germany where my family was. I got orders but stayed in a wheel chair for another 15 weeks.
I have almost recovered completely, but I still have pain everyday. I am blessed
that I am still able to walk and talk. I have just recently retired from the Army and now live in Collin
County. I design circuit boards in Richardson now.
Awards:
- Army Service Ribbon
- National Defense Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon
- Iraq Campaign Medal
- The Good Conduct Medal
- The Army Achievement Medal X 2
- The Bronze Star Medal
- The Meritorious Service Medal
- The Purple Heart
- The Combat Action Badge
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