It was August 2005, deep in the scorching heat of Northern Iraq. As a young E3 Hospital Corpsman stationed at Al Kasik, I was about to face a moment that would define my career—and my life. Our Forward Operating Base (FOB) had been converted into a polling station for the Iraqi people, drawing hundreds from surrounding areas. Men, women, and children—upwards of 1,000 people—gathered under the relentless 120-degree sun, hoping for a better future.

Then, everything changed in an instant.

A suicide bomber, disguised as a woman, detonated a vest packed with ball bearings right in the middle of the crowd. The blast ripped through the air, hitting me with a shockwave even though I was 200 yards away. In the split second after, I saw the flash, felt the heat, and watched a red mist rise above the chaos.

There was no time to process what had happened—only time to act. My training kicked in like second nature. Everything I had learned in Hospital Corps School and Field Medical Service School was suddenly my lifeline, and more importantly, the lifeline of those who now lay injured in the aftermath.

Alongside my team, I ran toward the carnage. We triaged the wounded, prioritized care, and stabilized injuries as best we could. Ball bearings had torn through flesh, causing injuries that ranged from the catastrophic to the critical. We worked with speed and precision, ensuring the wounded could be transported to the next echelon of care. Lives hung in the balance, but our training gave us the tools—and the confidence—to act decisively.

This story isn’t just about my experience; it’s about the value of preparation when the unthinkable happens. When the stakes are life or death, hope isn’t enough. Training is the difference between helplessness and action.

This is why I created the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) course: to ensure that when your SHTF (Shit Hits The Fan) moment happens, you’ll know exactly what to do. Whether you’re a medical professional or just someone who wants to be prepared, this course provides the skills and mindset needed to act decisively in critical moments.

Our training is immersive, hands-on, and designed to meet you where you are—whether you’re ready for the full five-day course or need something more tailored to your needs. Don’t let the question, “Can I help?” haunt you in an emergency. Instead, let us give you the confidence to know the answer is “Yes, I can.”

Your preparation could save a life. Will you be ready?