Norbie: US Army, Military Police
Questions
1. Branch? MOS? Deployment?
US. Army, Military Police
Iraq, March 09-Jun 04
2. Why did you join the military?
My brother served before me and I was inspired to serve too.
3. What are is your most proud achievement while serving?
Watching my soldiers grow to be leaders themselves.
4. What if is your favorite memory from your combat tour?
Every time I got to sit with Soldiers on watch and just get to know them better.
5. If you could go back in time and visit yourself just before you joined or left for the battlefield, what
would you tell yourself?
Replace your dog tag chain before you roll out, no one will know your blood type.
6. How has this experience made you a better person?
I was a very selfish and vain person before my injury. I love helping others and just accept them for who they are.
7. What are you most thankful for?
For getting a second chance at life so that I can make a more positive impact.
8. What is an obstacle you had to overcome and how did you do it?
I had to consistently remind myself to engage in the present and perform, with the help of my teammates. My addiction to morphine. My life was spiraling out of control. I accepted Christ and he
put the right people in my path (Operation Enduring Warrior) to help me gain the strength to overcome
it.
9. What if any is your Shrapnel? (wounds, emotional or physical) you still live with?
I would have to say my brain injury. But just like all obstacles, I’m taking it head on. I’m currently in my masters program.
10. What should the world know about you or other Combat Veterans?
We aren’t broken.
11. Tell us something about yourself they people might not know. (passion, talent, special skill)
I love the game of golf. There is nothing like the look on someone’s face when they realize they just got beat by a one arm man.
12. What else would you like to say to the world or other veterans?
If you fail at something, try a different way. This is true in every obstacle you may have in life. If you think you can’t or you think you can, you are right.
13. What are your career goals or career now? Any other groups or organizations you are involved with?
I am currently in my masters program studying strategic communications. I am the director of "A Combat Veteran’s Hope" as a volunteer. I also help Operation Enduring Warrior as a Team Member.
Norbie’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (3rd award) , Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd award), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2nd award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and NATO Medal.
The following photos were provided by Operation Enduring Warrior and not taken by Project Shrapnel
Call/text or fill out the form below to schedule your shoot
-Brett Nelson (559) 281-7896
Project Shrapnel
4644 W. Jennifer Ave. #102,
Fresno, CA 93722
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