05/06/2026
Twenty years—hard to believe how quickly it’s gone.
On this day, 20 years ago, I raised my right hand and swore in as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.
My granddad, Hubert Shieder, is pictured with me—one of the few who had the honor of pinning my bars on my lapel. That moment has stayed with me ever since.
Since then: multiple deployments, five promotions, and a wide range of roles that I’ve been fortunate to serve in.
Most would assume my favorite experience was flying the AH-64 Apache in combat. And while that chapter was incredible—something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life—one of the roles that stands out most was serving as an Air Defense Artillery RSOP OIC.
My NCOIC and I built a small survey team that became something special—tight-knit in a way that’s hard to explain unless you’ve lived it. It was an unexpected chapter, and without question one of the ones I miss the most.
Grateful for the journey, the people, and the opportunity to serve.
