CURRENT MISSION

Explore the wild east coast and see if they still wear the funny hats. Oh yeah also look for graduate schools.

ABOUT ME

I had a successful career in the United States Air Force; where I worked in the logistical arm of the Air Force, basically making sure that the Air Force personnel and resources got to where they needed to be. I advanced quickly through the ranks, being put in charge of my own section at the age of twenty two and becoming a Staff Sergeant in four years, which is as fast as possible. While I did well and proved myself to be an effective organizer and leader, I knew there was something else for me to do. I had never planned on making a career out of the Air Force, even though I had done quite well for myself. I knew I wanted to go to college and that was partly what influenced me to join the Air Force in the first place, because I would be able to reap the educational benefits. I tried to attend classes whenever possible, but many lengthy deployments got in the way of signing up for classes. It was during my last deployment to Iraq that I realized what I really should do. I was providing convoy security to Army convoys and had been attacked by roadside bombs, seen friends injured and overall it was a very trying experience to say the least. Once I got back to the United States I had about six months left in my active duty enlistment and I thought long and hard about what I was going to do. I thought about the experiences I had been through and what was happening throughout the world; it was then that I decided to study international relations with an emphasis in international security, with the idea that I could help to stop events like those going on in Iraq and elsewhere from happening again.
During my time as an undergraduate student I capitalized on my military experience, which gave me the discipline and passion necessary to be a good student. My military experience has also given me a unique perspective on international relations, having been on the ground actually seeing the consequences of the policies that are made. College has added sharp critical thinking and analytical skills to experience that I gained while in the military. My interests have stayed in the international security field and they have focused specifically into the areas of intelligence, terrorism and counter-insurgency. I hope to continue with these studies at the graduate level, so that I can gain a greater depth of knowledge about them.

PHILOSOPHY

I try to life simply and with regard for others. I would probably describe myself as a realist striving for idealism.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

Just joined!

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Just joined, but I slept on my cousin's couch for a while.

Interests

I really enjoy the outdoors, I am a semi-accomplished ultra-runner and love backcountry skiing. Also backpacking and climbing. Academically I am studying security issues, mostly dealing with intelligence and terrorism. I'm always up for a stimulating intellectual conversation.

• outdoor activities
• backpacking
• skiing
• rock climbing
• international relations

Music, Movies, and Books

NCIS and Stargate SG1 are my shows. I read so many books that I can't really nail it down, but I've enjoyed Democracy's Discontent, Mike and Allens Really Cool Backcountry Ski Book, Cold War by Chris Gaddis, The Dark Tower Series and am reading Where the Domino Fell right now.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Many amazing things, but I think the events that have had the most impact on my life was Iraq.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Mexico, Morocco

Countries I’ve Lived In

Iraq, South Korea, United States

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