Q: What does your call sign mean to you?
A: I chose my call sign for two reasons. A shield is used for protection in battle. As a MAT team member I want our Honorees to know that I am here for them on the course, not just to help them complete the mission but also as protection while the go through it. A shield is also slang term for a police badge, since I am a Task Force Sentinel MAT I found it to be a fitting call sign.
Q: What branch of the military or LEO did you serve in (or are currently serving in), for how long, and what was your job?
A: I served in the United States Marine Corps from 1989-1995. I was a Vehicle Commander and Scout Instructor for 1stLight Armored Reconnaissance Bn. I attended the US Army Airborne, Ranger Schools and was the 1st Marine Division Pre-Ranger School Instructor. I am also a retired Criminal Investigator for the Warren County Sheriff’s Department in MS. I was a Sniper for the departments Special Response Team and a Deputized United States Marshall on the Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force.
Q: What is your best or most unforgettable OEW-related memory?
A: My most unforgettable memory was at the Bataan Memorial Death March. I was able to
Honor, empower and motivate Matt Bradford in completing the event. I got to spend several hours with him talking and learning his story. Then to see him complete the event as a blind, double amputee and see how people reacted to it was very impressive and heartwarming.
Q: What is the most challenging thing about being a MAT?
A: Some would think INDOC is the most challenging; however I find the commitment to be most challenging. There is a lot of behind the scenes planning and preparing that goes on to make the events successful. As I grow in the organization I have been tasked with more responsibility and it takes a lot of “prioritizing my time” to make sure I continue to give the level of commitment that I promised to OEW when I joined.
Q: Motto or principle you live by.
A: When you go, make sure you leave it better than when you came.
Q: How do you stay in shape for the demands of the MAT?
A: Because I am a MAT Team Member I stay physically fit, I work out every day, so that when I am called to do an event, I am ready to complete the mission. I run or ruck at least 2-3 times a week, I break up the runs with spontaneous calisthenics, hill sprints or stair climbs. I CrossFit or lift weights 3-5 times a week. There are a lot of endurance exercises built into my workout and I often train with an elevation mask. I also do some triathlons and ultra-races.
Check out our OEW Spotify channel! Each Call Sign will share their own playlists of music that gets them pumped for action or helps them chill during their workday. Follow our channel and receive updates whenever new playlists are posted!
Don't have Spotify? Click here to download now and enjoy FREE music on your mobile device or desktop.
About INDOC: The application process to apply for the Masked Athlete Team, Warrior INDOC, is now an open enrollment. Pre-requisite is to have military or LEO experience with honorable discharge. E-mail: indoc@enduringwarrior.org for submission details.