Completed my Masters of Professional Studies degree in Security and Safety Leadership in May 2014. Before that, I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and Political Science in December 2012. I emphasized my studies on the Middle East, terrorism and learning Modern Standard Arabic (1 year).
With the current position I'm in, I'm able to take Department of Defense-specific classes to help me advance in my career in security. Through the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency's Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE), Iwas able to gain my Security Fundamentals Professional Certificate (SFPC).
Beyond the CDSE coursework, I'm also working on my NCMS certification to become an Industrial Security Professional (ISP).
At this present time, I've been admitted into a Doctoral (Ph.D) program for Intelligence and Security Studies through Capitol Technology University out of Laurel, MD. These studies should conclude in 2026 once my dissertation has been successfully defended.
Other Comments:
Service/Deployment Information:
Active Duty: September 2001-September 2004 / IRR: September 2004-May 2008 / Reserves: May 2008-August 2009
While on active duty, I participated in Battle Focused Training at the Combat Maneuver Training Center (CMTC) in Hohenfels, Germany, from October-December 2002 doing exercises with OPFOR. At the same time, I was afforded an opportunity to qualify with German weapons (G36 and MG3) in Grafenwoehr to earn my Schutzenschnur.
Learned to operate HET trucks while stationed in Germany. Did many missions back and forth from Mannheim to Grafenwoehr, Germany, and from Kuwait to Iraq. Supported the major divisions going into Iraq, such as 3ID, 4ID, 3ACR, 1AD and 101st Airborne.
Learned to operate a 5,000 gal. tanker truck while in Iraq. Acquired, transported and distributed JP8 fuel in support of 4ID, 82nd Airborne, among others.
While in Kuwait and Iraq, drove over 10,000 miles accident-free (actually, close to 20,000), earning me the Army Driver's Badge.
Once I ETS'd out of the Army in 2004, I came home and went to school for my Class A CDL, and then gained employment with Kellogg, Brown & Root (KBR-Halliburton). I worked in the "Green Zone" or "International Zone" (Baghdad, Iraq) supporting the US State Department in their diplomatic missions from February 2005 to February 2008.
For two years, I drove line-haul trucks to Regional Embassy Offices at Camp Victory (BIAP), al Hillah and Kuwait. My third year with KBR, I was promoted to a desk job in the Transportation Department where I did supervisory/administrative duties. In 2008, I returned stateside to pursue my college education.
