Jake was born in Modesto, California in 1969 and grew up in Big Bear Lake, California. He joined the Army after graduating from high school in 1990. After basic training at Ft. Knox, KY, he also attended Airborne School. He served as a driver and loader on a Sheridan tank.
After his first reenlistment he was assigned to Germany, where he served as a MK 19 Gunner in a Light Cavalry Platoon. His tour in Germany was cut short due to a car accident that sent him to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. After his recovery he was assigned to Ft. Knox, KY, and served as a mission issue facility NCOIC and then was DA selected to recruiting duty.
Jake served in Alaska as a Section Sergeant for a Light Cavalry Troop. After one year he became a Cold Weather Instructor for Northern Warfare Training Center in Ft Greely, AK. Jake reenlisted to stay in Alaska to serve with the new SBCT that was standing up 4th Squadron 14th Cavalry Regiment.
Jake was a Section Sergeant and a Platoon Sergeant while deployed to Iraq in August 2005. Jake was severely injured in June 2006 after his Stryker rolled over an IED. He spent 18 months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He continued to serve in the Army as a Staff NCO/Enlisted Adviser for the Assistant Surgeon General of Warrior Care and Transition and the Director of Warrior Care and Transition Office.
His awards include the Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He also has a Parachutist, a Pathfinder and a Combat Action Badge.
Jake finished a successful twenty-year career in the Army and retired in February 2011. He enrolled in the Professional Golfers Career College in Temecula, CA and received his Associate Degree in Professional Golf Management.
Jake has an adult daughter who lives in Ohio. He and his wife, Vanessa, daughter, Joy (14) and a golden retriever, Lucy, live in Fallbrook, CA.
