Tell us about your military service. What did you do? Where did you serve? What do you value the most about your military service?
I graduated from Clemson University’s Air Force ROTC program and commissioned as a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Officer in 2015. My first assignment was at Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii in the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS), which provides air support for the 25th Infantry Division (ID). I served as a Unit Deployment Manager, Assistant Operations Flight Commander, Operations Flight Commander, and an Air Liaison Officer at the Battalion and Brigade levels.
By 2020, I was assigned to the 19th ASOS on Fort Campbell, KY, which provides air support for the 101st Airborne Division. I served as an Operations Flight Commander, Assistant Operations Officer, and Brigade Air Liaison Officer. From here, I deployed in 2021 to Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) as a Fire Support Officer and in 2023 to Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania as an Air Liaison Officer for 1st Brigade (Bastogne), 101st Airborne Division.
Additionally, I have been a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) since 2017 and a JTAC-Instructor since 2020. As a JTAC, I am a qualified service member with authority to direct the action of and grant weapons release clearance to military attacking aircraft engaged in Close Air Support.
I value the unique opportunities and challenges that accompanied my duties as an Air Force TACP Officer and JTAC, providing lethal warfighting capabilities to the joint fires enterprise. I’m grateful for the exposure to various cultures across Special Operations Forces and our Allied partners as well as the lessons I learned on leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration between organizations.
What are your thoughts on mentoring other students while at Vanderbilt? As a role model, what values do you want to share?
I’m eager to share my experiences and life lessons to Vanderbilt students and the local community. As a mentor, I hope to inspire self-discovery and growth. I want to share lessons of courage, initiative, discipline, accountability, integrity, emotional intelligence and work-life balance. I believe these values will foster success in their personal and professional aspirations. I remember being in their shoes, eager to learn and consume information. My goal is to leverage this opportunity, provide insight to the next generation of leaders and teammates, and give back to the community.
While at Vanderbilt, what will be the focus of your studies and how do you plan to use this knowledge in your future career?
My focus will be in Operations and Strategy. I plan to pursue a career in Consulting or Operations Management in the Technology industry. My goal is to leverage my knowledge and experience from the military and formal business education to solve complex problems, optimize processes and systems, maximize AI-generated tools, and acquire a strategic mindset.
What would you tell other veterans about the Bass Military Scholars Program?
If you’re committed to service beyond the uniform, apply to this program. It will help you transition to the business world amongst a close-knit team of seasoned veterans dedicated to using their skillsets from the military to lead service projects across the community, contribute meaningful discussion in the classroom, and mentor undergraduate students. Transitioning out of the military is not a small feat, especially as you transition to a full-time MBA student role in a new area with career ambiguity. Having a team of scholars to connect with will help carry you through this life adjustment.