I have worked in the Defense and Homeland Security industry since the age of 17, when I enlisted as a Private in the Infantry. After serving as a Non-Commisioned Officer, putting myself through school, and graduating as the Distinguished Military Graduate, I accepted a commision as a Field Artillery Officer. As an officer I served with the 101st Airborne (Air Assault), 2nd Infantry Division, and III Corps Artillery.After leaving the Army, I used my knowledge of logistics for a few years, but soon felt the tug of service again. At this point I put my knowledge of planning, operations, and CBRNE operations to work with CRA as a Deputy Project Manager, and then Project Manager. I worked with numerous State and local officials to produce plans. train and exercise first responders, refining policies, procedures, and SOPs.I then joined the Department of Homeland Security, in the grants department, the one thing I knew the least about. I have been with this organization since January 2007 and was promoted to Section Chief in August 2009, and now oversee the daily activity of Program Analyst for 26 States and Territories, as well as numerous Tribal Grantees. I have continued to work with State, Territory, Tribal, and local officials regarding their operational plans, both from a tactical and a strategic level. I have also worked with the Departments critical infrastructure section for outreach to the private sector, in developing thier protective mesures. I enjoy the numerous relationships which have been cultivated, and believe I have had a positive impact on the ability of these agencies to respond to disaters, whether they be manmade or natural. What I really enjoy is the vast amount of knowledge I have gained about all aspects of securing the homeland; from planning for a pandemic, to instituting protective measures at chemical facilities, to building a statewide communications infrastructure, and building relationships along the way.