Darren Shadix

Darren Shadix served in the U.S. Army for seven years. He was immediately assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vicenza, Italy (for which his jealous Drill Sergeant smoked him). He fought in Operation Enduring Freedom VIII, in Korengal Valley, Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Among his accolades are the Bronze Star and an Army Commendation Medal with Valor.

He was honorably discharged in 2013 and pursued a career in government contracting, working as part of the security force that protected the U.S. Embassy in Kabul. Having spent over three and a half years in Afghanistan, he hopes to never set foot in said country again.