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 first served at Fort Campbell with 3-187IN, 3BCT, 101st ABN DIV. I served as a Heavy Weapons Platoon Leader during Operation Southern Guardian where we supported Customs and Border Patrol Agents across the Southwest US Border. I then became the Company Executive Officer for a light infantry company during our training cycle, finishing my time at Fort Campbell as a Company Commander. After Maneuver Captain鈥檚 Career Course, I served as the Brigade Chief of Plans for 1SBCT, 4 ID during our rotation as Korea Rotational Force 16 at Camp Casey/Hovey and Camp Humphreys.
People and systems are my passion. I most valued the opportunity to work with and develop young Soldiers to achieve their full potential. I loved getting to solve problems and create systems that allowed us to focus on our mission.
What are your thoughts on mentoring other students while at Vanderbilt? As a role model, what values do you want to share?
I am extremely excited at the opportunity to mentor other students while at Vanderbilt. As a role model, I most want to share the values of selfless service and the concept of perception. I want to model helping others because we can, not just when we get something (or recognition) out of it. Over the years, I鈥檝e learned the value of perception. I try my best to focus on what I can control, which is most often how we respond to our environment. I can鈥檛 control what other people do or say to me, but I can choose how (or if) I react. This has played a huge part in the preservation of my mental health, and I think it could be a huge help to others.
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 plan to concentrate on Strategy and Operations & Analytics. I want to be able to use data and technology to solve commercial challenges, hopefully at the intersection of AI, technology, and healthcare. I am really passionate about creating and improving systems to help people focus on creativity and critical decision making to ultimately improve people鈥檚 daily lives. I am still very new to this sphere, but I would love to be the connector to the developers and the actual end user. In my personal experience, I do not think that companies often get this right. For example, I have had a lot of difficulty getting medical care while in the Army due to system and policy flaws. I would love the opportunity to prevent issues like that for other people.
What would you tell other veterans about the Bass Military Scholars Program?
I would encourage any veteran to apply to the Bass Military Scholar Program. Not only does it provide many veterans the opportunity to pursue their goals and dreams, but it provides a venue to continue your lifestyle of service to your community in a very personal way. I am extremely excited for opportunities to serve and mentor others as a Bass Military Scholar.