Nate Watson

Note: This bio was submitted by the speaker on 2016 August 14.

My Army career was very colorful. Upon enlistment I completed basic training, infantry training, airborne school, and sniper school at Fort Benning, Georgia. I spent 18 months in an infantry unit before being assigned to a federal marshals' task force and then a GBI narcotics task force where I was assigned to do target acquisition.

I participated in a counter drug mission in Columbia in 2005. In early 2009, I received orders to support Operation Enduring Freedom. I deployed to Afghanistan and was assigned to Task Force 82nd. In August of 2009, I was shot during a firefight in Duran, Afghanistan. I was med-evaced from the combat theater to Germany and subsequently to Augusta GA. My injuries required me to retire from the Army in August 2011.

Since retiring, I have supported various veterans' charities and helped multiple combat veterans. I currently work as a PTSD specialist with the Air Force Reserve Command Psychological Health Advocacy Program. In this role, I help Air Force veterans deal with their PTSD issues.