My Projects
VA Disability Calculator
Designer & Developer
Simplifying VA disability compensation for veterans.
Game Development in Unity Engine
3D Game Developer & Designer
Making small games with Unity
Photography
Wedding and Event Photographer
Helping Soldiers capture memories
Education
Cloud Application Development
Microsoft Software and Service Academy (MSSA)
OOP/C#/Azure/Cloud Development
Bachelor of Arts
Fort Lewis College
Exercise Science
Associate of Applied Science
Cochise College
Intelligence Op Studies
Computer User Support Specialist (CUSS)
ACI Tech Academy
ITIL/A+/Net+/Sec+
Me in a Nutshell
Where I Come From
I consider myself to be a lifelong learner (and dog lover!). I spent the last spent 20+ years leading a plethora (Si El Guapo, it’s a plethora) of teams and solving complex problems in the U.S. Army and at the NSA—and now I’m channeling that same passion into technology and software development.
I love getting obsessed with new challenges, whether that’s making an app to help veterans navigate VA benefits, building small video games for my son, or taking up woodworking to make furniture and gifts for friends. I’ve even spent time as a professional photographer where I shot weddings for young soldiers who couldn’t afford a photographer, just because I enjoy helping people and learning new skills along the way.
Throughout my career, I’ve thrived in mission-focused, diverse teams—whether building technology solutions from scratch, managing security for thousands, or teaching and supporting others. I believe in leading by example, communicating openly, and empowering everyone around me to do their best work.
What gets me fired up is the chance to learn something new, take on a fresh project, and make a real difference for others, especially in teams that value curiosity, humility, and collaboration. I bring a unique blend of leadership, technical know-how, and a willingness to jump in head first, into the deep end if necessary, wherever needed.
Where I Am Going
My journey from Exercise Science to Software Development (by way of a 20 year stop in the Army) has been unconventional and challenging, but it is really something I am passionate about. Not much has captivated my interest and scratched the itch I have for learning new and useful things quite like technology. You can spend an entire lifetime learning and still barely scratch the surface of all there is to learn. There are so many unique ways to be involved in tech and so many paths you can walk. At my core I just want to create things that are useful to people and I want to be involved in collaborative environments. That is one of the things I miss most about the military, working with people, training/mentoring people and being around like-minded people getting things done as a team. I feel like I bring a unique perspective combining discipline from military service, creativity from photography, and technical skills from my coursework and projects.
Career Timeline
Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA)
Cloud Application DevelopmentAdvanced coursework in C#, .NET, Azure, and application development.
National Security Agency
Project Manager & Senior Leader, Oahu, HI- Led design/deployment of secure web solutions for multinational environments
- Authored daily classified intelligence assessments on Ukraine-Russia operations for NSA C-suite, DoD agencies, and international coalition partners
- Developed and maintained protocols to ensure compliance for 1100+ personnel in sensitive environments
US Army Pacific
Ops Lead, Analysis Control Element, Oahu, HI- Supervised intelligence operations and training for 80-member multinational team
- Advised executive leadership on operational readiness and strategic assessments
- Coordinated intelligence sharing protocols with allied nation partners
- Managed classified briefing schedules for senior DoD and coalition leadership
First Army
Team Chief / Trainer - JBLM, WA & National Roles- Led 11-person mobile training team across western US states
- Conducted pre-deployment readiness assessments for National Guard and Reserve units
- Delivered specialized intelligence training to prepare units for overseas operations
- Evaluated unit capabilities and certification standards for deployment readiness
US Army Pacific
Operational Manager, Oahu, HI- Directed intelligence development including battlefield preparation, collection management, and predictive analysis for military police brigade
- Oversaw intelligence oversight program ensuring compliance with operational security protocols
- Developed criminal intelligence tracking system to enhance base security and situational awareness
US Army Central
Operations Manage, Kandahar Afghanistan- Led intelligence operations supporting combat missions in Afghanistan; managed intelligence assets and coordination
- Maintained accountability for over $10 million in sensitive military equipment
- Conducted target analysis and enemy pattern recognition to support high-value target operations, providing direct intelligence briefings to brigade commander overseeing 8,000-person element
- Led counter-insurgency intelligence operations resulting in successful identification and neutralization of enemy combatants and recovery of hostile equipment caches
US Army
Infantry Squad Leader- Conducted daily combat patrols and security operations in high-threat urban environment of Baghdad, Iraq with minimal supervision
- Led counter-IED operations to identify and neutralize explosive devices protecting coalition forces and civilians
- Operated independently in austere forward operating bases with minimal infrastructure, maintaining mission readiness without utilities or plumbing
- Executed small unit tactics and close quarters combat operations in urban warfare environment under minimal oversight
- Evaluated and field-tested military technology and equipment under combat conditions with autonomous decision-making authority
Highlights & Achievements
Published VA Disability App
Microsoft Software & Systems Academy / Solo DevDesigned, developed, and launched a cross-platform mobile app helping thousands of veterans estimate their VA disability compensation; 7,000+ downloads and excellent user feedback.
Web-Based Collaboration Platform
National Security AgencyDesigned and implemented secure SharePoint portal with role-based access controls, enabling safe information sharing across multiple clearance levels, security caveats, and international partners while preventing classified information spillage incidents.
Company First Sergeant
US Army PacificSelected as Company First Sergeant responsible for morale, safety, and welfare of 120+ personnel; managed all aspects of unit readiness, training programs, and personnel development while ensuring mission accomplishment and soldier care.
Major Readiness Transformation
JBLM & NationalLed intelligence planning and oversaw readiness for 50,000+ personnel, enabling successful large-scale mobilizations at JBLM.
Security Program Excellence
Operations/Functional Manager, Oahu/JBLMManaged security for brigades of 1,200+; developed and enforced new security protocols with zero violations for three years. Winner of best security program on the installation.
Bronze Star, Navy and International Awards
Kandahar, AfghanistanLed complex multi-national operations working with partner countries including Jordan and Romania. Utilized Arabic language skills to enhance cultural awareness training for Jordanian teams. Successfully interdicted ambush targeting Romanian patrol, saving lives through tactical intelligence and rapid response. Awarded Bronze Star for exceptional leadership in joint operations, Naval Achievement Medal from special warfare unit, and Romanian Emblem of Merit by Romanian General for outstanding international cooperation.
Infantry Squad Leader & Combat Operations
U.S. Army Infantry, Baghdad/Multiple LocationsLed combat patrols and counter-IED operations in Baghdad with minimal supervision; operated independently in austere environments while maintaining mission readiness; awarded Purple Heart for service-connected injury.
