More About Andrew
In May of 2009, Andrew’s unit was activated to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his deployment he was assigned to a Route Clearance Platoon. His unit returned from Iraq in January of 2010 and shortly there after, Andrew transferred to then 4th Civil Affairs Group (now 2nd CAG), based out of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, in Washington DC. After completing training he was assigned to a team as a Civil Affairs Marine and promoted to the rank of Corporal shortly after.In March of 2011, Andrew was activated again and deployed to the Sangin District, Helmand Province, in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was attached to Bravo Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion as a Civil Affairs Non Commissioned Officer. On August 5, 2011, Andrew received a Traumatic Brain Injury from a grenade blast. Andrew returned home in January 2012 and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in April.
Andrew graduated from Lenape High School in 2006 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter. In October 2007 he joined Marine Wing Support Squadron 472 (-), a Marine Reserve unit based out of Naval Air Station Willow Grove in PA. While stationed there was hired by the Ocean City Police Department and graduated the Cape May County Police Academy in the summer of 2008.
After returning home to New Jersey, Andrew soon found that the challenges from the brain injury as well as adapting back to regular life proved extremely stressful. He struggled through depression and thoughts of suicide, but on May 6, 2012 he brought home a Silver Lab puppy whom he named Gunner, who would become his service dog and would ultimately save his life.
Andrew joined Operation Enduring Warrior in 2016 and after running his first Obstacle Course Race with OEW and Gunner by his side, he knew he had found an amazing family. Since then, Andrew and Gunner have completed 7 races together, including two Tough Mudders, the completed the Spartan AGOGE, a 64 hour endurance race, and competed twice the Spartan World Championships in Iceland, winning the Military heat in 2017.
Through Operation Enduring Warrior, Andrew has become a certified SCUBA diver and a licensed, Andrew joined OEW’s 4-Way Formation Skydiving Team and is working towards his USPA – C license and is now the Skydive Program Manager.He currently works for the Camden County Police Department – Metro Divison, in Camden NJ, and is a Detective on the Department’s Shooting Response Team.
Outside of work, Andrew and Gunner travel the country, public speaking about suicide awareness and resiliency after adversity. He is the host of the 10-TwoThree podcast, and lives in Cinnaminson NJ, with his three sons, Jacob (5), Colton (3), and Harlan (1).