I joined the Army shortly after 9/11 when the economy had taken a down-turn. I had worked at a gun store and had a family when I was laid off from that job. While I was against the war in Afghanistan and could hear the drums beating for the invasion of Iraq, I signed up for the Infantry out of a need to support my family.

I was deployed to Iraq from 2004-2005. I spent my year there in Tal afar and Mosul. My time there turned my academic objection to the war to horror at the idea that the United States could act in such a way. I witnessed torture, transported people to be tortured, and killed people who were fighting for the independence of their country. I worked in a detention camp in Tal afar that was unfit to house livestock.

When I returned I formed the nonprofit, GI Voice (dba. COFFEE STRONG), and joined Iraq Veterans Against the War. I am in the Fort Lewis Chapter and a member of the Board.