I was a part of the Civil Engineering squadron in the structures shop for the USAF from 2002-2007. While serving, I was a member of the DAFB Honor Guard,  respectfully transferring the remains of countless Americans back onto US soil, and deployed as one of the first AF CE squadrons to detach to the Army in 2005 and survived over 187 documented mortar attacks during that time. I got out in 2007 and pursued my education; obtaining a BA in English (BSU), a BA in Corporate Comm (BSU), an MA in English (UMB) and an MFA in Creative Writing (UMB). I’m currently a full time professor at BSU and I also teach part time at BCC. In 2012, I returned to Iraq as an intern on a documentary following the Forum For Cities in Transition in their effort for global peace. I have a 14 year old daughter who’s my reason for everything. :) I’ve gone skydiving 4 times, jumped from waterfalls, zip lined through rain forests, swam in Mexican caves, hunted the Northern Lights in Iceland, completed 2 half marathons, and have plenty more great travel stories to tell and experience. I love appreciating life’s beauty and need to be outside daily; whether it’s in the woods, at the beach, camping, jogging, or exploring.

That being said, however, two years ago I nearly lost my battle with PTSD, depression, and anxiety and was hospitalized twice for attempting to end my life. 22 veterans a day aren’t as lucky as I was. For that reason, I’m participating in this event with the 22Mohawk Family to raise money for charities, like them, who champion this cause.