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 was a Noncommissioned Officer in the Tennessee Army National Guard and served in the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment as a Forward Observer. Though initially assigned to a Bradley Fighting Vehicle crew, I was promoted to Sergeant, E-5, and moved to the Regimental Fires Squadron to work as a Counter Fires NCO. During my time as a Counter Fires NCO, I was selected to deploy with Troop F 2/278th ACR to Germany to operate as a Regimental Fires Support Sergeant. In 2017, I was laterally moved back into a line unit to hold a Staff Sergeant position as a Bradley Commander. This would be my last duty assignment as I left the Army in 2018. As I reflect on my journey in the Tennessee Army National Guard, I have a deeper sense of understanding of who I am as a leader and follower. Continuously finding myself in positions well above my pay grade forced me to dig deep and learn fast so as not to let down my command, peers, and those I served.
What are your thoughts on mentoring other students while at Vanderbilt? As a role model, what values do you want to
share?
Students at Vanderbilt University are there for a reason. They have worked hard and have listened to mentors and role models that preclude myself. Understanding this, I consider stepping into a mentorship an honor and a meaningful challenge. I know that I will learn from those attending Vanderbilt and I hope to provide insight from my experiences that may aid in shaping their world from another perspective.
While at Vanderbilt, what will be the focus of your studies and how do you plan to use this knowledge in your future
career?
I have entered the School of Nursing as a pre-specialty student to end my studies as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Vanderbilt offers a two-year Master of Science in Nursing program that allows other than nursing bachelor degrees to enter into the healthcare industry as a nurse practitioner. The appeal to this program lies deep within my experiences as both a military veteran and a first responder with over a decade of experience. “When you touch trauma, trauma touches you back.” – unknown author. Active-duty military members, veterans, and first responders have all encountered trauma in some way or another. It is my desire to use my background to connect and help give back to those who continue to serve our nation and our communities. Through connection by means of similarity, I hope to be a tool to their mental health journey.
What would you tell other veterans about the Bass Military Scholars Program?
The Bass Military Scholars Program is a community of exceptional individuals, each handpicked for their unique purpose and the wealth of experience they bring from both their military and educational backgrounds. At Vanderbilt, you’re not just walking onto a campus—you’re stepping onto sacred ground where brilliance thrives, and expectations are consistently surpassed. It’s only fitting that a university of Vanderbilt’s caliber aligns with the Bass Foundation, fostering a community where veterans can come together to further their education and successfully transition from military to civilian life. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to be part of something greater, surrounded by like-minded peers who share a commitment to growth and excellence.