I was born in Poughkeepsie, NY, and raised in West Milford, NJ. My public service journey began as a volunteer firefighter, EMT, and search and rescue technician specializing in high angle rescue and vehicle extrication. I moved to Colorado in 2006 after being accepted to the United States Air Force Academy.

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With over 14 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, I earned my Master of Science in 2015. My work spans hydraulic fracturing, production facilities, completions operations, refinery operations, and industrial wastewater treatment.

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I founded Leatherwood Development Group LLC and have spent over 15 years advocating for reform in the Department of Defense. As the author of the “DeRito Act,” I work to support service members and end sexual assault and retaliation in the military. I also consult on legislative matters at local, state, and federal levels.

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I host the Dark Sabre Podcast and Tuxes & Tomahawks Podcast—platforms focused on community reform and veteran advocacy. I serve in the Army Reserve as an Intelligence Analyst for Civil Affairs and work as a substitute teacher at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Greeley, Colorado.

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As a paratrooper, hobby farmer, and Constitutionalist, I’m proud to lead the Colorado Chapter of the America First Veterans Alliance and as the National Vice Chairman serving all 50 states. My mission is to unite First Responders and Veterans to ensure our values are protected at every level of government.