Description of Service:

• I enlisted in 1998 while still in high school and went to San Diego for Recruit Training in 1999. Upon completing boot camp followed by combat training at Camp Pendleton, I received orders to the A/C mechanics course at APG, Md. Graduating from the course, I spent my first year in the fleet in Okinawa assigned to 7th Communication Battalion. Wlhile on Okinawa, I also spent six months with Camp Hanson Camp Guard serving as a sentry, Corporal of the Guard and one of the base Color Sergeants.
• Rotating back to the States, my next assignment was in North Carolina with Marine Wing Support Squadron-272 (MWSS-272). With 272, I cross-trained as an electrician and heavy equipment operator; I also spent a year as the Engineer Division Admin NCO.
• In 2003, our squadron deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom during the build up for Operation Iraqi Freedom. While in Kuwait, our squadron supported and sustained two FOBs, one EAF and several FARPs. Our unit also ran the Jalibah and An Numaniyah Express into Iraq.
• Returning from OIF, I left active duty in 2003. I spent the next two years in college; in August of 2005, I had to postpone attending the University of Idaho to report to Camp Lejeillle, NC to deploy to Iraq. While in Iraq with Marine Wing Communication Squadron-28 (MWCS-28), I spent six months in the Al Anbar Province, first on Al Asad AB and then TQ just outside of Fallujah. While with MWCS-28, I worked as an electrician, and filled several administrative billets.
• In 2006, I returned to North Carolina, and received an Honorable Discharge later that year while attending the University of Idaho.
• My awards include the Presidential Unit Citation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with two bronze stars, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with three bronze stars, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" device. I have also received a Meritorious Mast and several Certificates of Commendation and Letters of Appreciation.
• I may not be a gunnery sergeant, but that hasn't stopped me from being a jack of all trades. The best decision I ever made was joining the Marine Corps. The Corps truly helped me to grow up and has defined who I am to this day. The Marine Corps holds a special place in my heart; given the chance and without hesitation, I would do it all over again.

What brought you to the University of Idaho: My family has always attended the University of Idaho, so it was an obvious inclusion in the list of schools to which I applied. There were several factors which made my decision to attend the U of I rather easy: Idaho was the first school that admitted me; it had the easiest website to navigate; it had an outstanding design school; and it had the most professional, courteous, and helpful staff that I experienced. Much like my decision to join the Marine Corps, I do not regret for a minute my decision to become a Vandal.