Joined as a Marine reservist in 1999 with 4th LAR BN. My MOS was LAV Technician. Because of the nature of my unit being a Recon Battalion, I was cross-trained as a Scout, Mortar Man, Rifleman, and LAV Crew Member. During OIF I, I reconned the border of Iran and conducted security stabilization operations in Basra province and Babil Province. I had a non-combat injury in Kuwait that left me in the injured reserve for over a year. This resulted in missing 2 GWOT tours and a second deployment back to Iraq. In 2005, I was cleared and honorably discharged. Although my command insisted on a reenlistment with bonus and promotion to E-5, I decided to take a different journey and pursue art as a career. I have since been going to school and working as an entrepenuer.