While in college at the University of Cincinnati,, in Ohio I took an ROTC  repelling class and had a great time. I was subsequently offered a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship, which I accepted. I come from a long line of veterans, dating back to World War I. While participating in ROTC, I was challenged on a daily basis, learned important leadership skills, and made great friends. I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2001.

 

I served in Iraq from 2004 to 2005 as a Personnel Officer for the 67 Combat Support Hospital  (CSH). I did a variety of things to coordinate for Reserve Doctors and Nurses to back-fill my unit. My team processed all paperwork in regards to promotions, awards, R&R leave, and American Red Cross messages. I also ensured that all soldiers continued to get paid. Another part of my job was reading Purple Heart Citations when injured soldiers would receive their medal.