SOFREP Readers,
I would like to introduce myself as the newest member of the SOFREP team and share with you a little about my story and why I am honored to write for this site.
I am currently a Marine Special Operations Officer at 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion (MSOB) in Camp Pendleton, CA. Prior to this assignment I served as an Infantry Officer in Camp Lejeune, NC.
In 2008 I deployed as a Rifle Platoon Commander to Ar Ramadi, Iraq and in 2010 I deployed as the Executive Officer of the Motorized Company for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to the Middle East. In 2012 I led a Marine Special Operations Team to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, where I was injured and evacuated after being shot while leading a patrol. The bullet traveled to my spine and I was paralyzed from the chest down. Since this time I have rehabilitated in VA and Military Hospitals and returned to work at 1st MSOB.
I was first introduced to SOFREP when I saw a post by ‘Raider Anonymous’ titled ‘Why Every Marine Can’t be SOF or Slay a Dragon.’ The arrogance and lack of humility I perceived from that article inspired me to begin writing for SOFREP, and attempt to represent the majority of the Marine Special Operations Community, who pride themselves on their professionalism, humility and ability to build cohesive teams composed individuals from a variety of backgrounds (including conventional forces).
This silent majority continues to shy away from any form of publicity and because of this, and my current position within the command, I felt compelled to speak up for those who are still operational. My goal in writing for this website is to provide readers a small glimpse into the incredible things that Operators are doing, on a daily basis across the globe.
I am passionate about advocating for Veteran’s issues, and have recently begun highlighting issues that consistently arise from the VA in administering the benefits that Veterans have earned, and I also care about Leadership and Character Development. To this end, I have created the Special Operations Leadership Experience to provide a platform for Operators to share leadership lessons they have learned over the past decade of operations with individuals in teams and corporations.
SOFREP Readers,
I would like to introduce myself as the newest member of the SOFREP team and share with you a little about my story and why I am honored to write for this site.
I am currently a Marine Special Operations Officer at 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion (MSOB) in Camp Pendleton, CA. Prior to this assignment I served as an Infantry Officer in Camp Lejeune, NC.
In 2008 I deployed as a Rifle Platoon Commander to Ar Ramadi, Iraq and in 2010 I deployed as the Executive Officer of the Motorized Company for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to the Middle East. In 2012 I led a Marine Special Operations Team to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, where I was injured and evacuated after being shot while leading a patrol. The bullet traveled to my spine and I was paralyzed from the chest down. Since this time I have rehabilitated in VA and Military Hospitals and returned to work at 1st MSOB.
I was first introduced to SOFREP when I saw a post by ‘Raider Anonymous’ titled ‘Why Every Marine Can’t be SOF or Slay a Dragon.’ The arrogance and lack of humility I perceived from that article inspired me to begin writing for SOFREP, and attempt to represent the majority of the Marine Special Operations Community, who pride themselves on their professionalism, humility and ability to build cohesive teams composed individuals from a variety of backgrounds (including conventional forces).
This silent majority continues to shy away from any form of publicity and because of this, and my current position within the command, I felt compelled to speak up for those who are still operational. My goal in writing for this website is to provide readers a small glimpse into the incredible things that Operators are doing, on a daily basis across the globe.
I am passionate about advocating for Veteran’s issues, and have recently begun highlighting issues that consistently arise from the VA in administering the benefits that Veterans have earned, and I also care about Leadership and Character Development. To this end, I have created the Special Operations Leadership Experience to provide a platform for Operators to share leadership lessons they have learned over the past decade of operations with individuals in teams and corporations.
Respectfully,
Derek Herrera
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