Leadership

Samuel Shepherd, served 350 days with the United Nations Joint Security Area, a detachment of the U. S. Army, serving about 130 days in the DMZ between North and South Korea. During this time, Mr. Shepherd was shot at once, had two bombs exploded near him, and walked out of two live minefields.

Samuel Shepherd participated in the United Nations, Joint Security Area. Mr. Shepherd also participated (with the 2/505 PIR, 82nd Airborne Division) in Operation Safe-Haven (1994-1995), Operation Clean-sweep (1995), and Operation Allied Force: Kosovo (1999).

Mr. Shepherd served in the U.S. Army from June 1992 to June 1999. During this time, Mr. Shepherd served with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, Ranger regiment, JSA Scout platoon, UN-JSA Panmunjom, Korea, Alpha Company and Headquarters Company of 2nd Battalion, 505 infantry regiment of 82nd Airborne Division. Mr. Shepherd has accumulated 51 parachute jumps from four fixed wing and four rotary wing aircraft, and numerous Air-assault missions. He participated in Sling Load details, Counterintelligence and gather mission, Scouting or reconnaissance duties and Jungle training in Panama.

Mr. Shepherd earned four unit awards, individually; he has earned seven metals (three awarded twice), four ribbons, two parachute wings, and nine badges, with 13 letters of commendation.

March 14, 2023 Mr. Shepherd suffered a stroke, nearly ending his life, twice. Since then he been diagnosed with Dysarthria (trouble speaking).

Samuel Shepherd was an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) for a year and half with local rescue squad 1990-1992, and in the seven years in the military as a Combat Liver Saver 1993-1999. Served as project coordinator 1993-1996, a Military Intelligence operator 1993-1994, an Information Technician, 1995-1999, and various leadership positions 1993-1999.

After military service, Shepherd earned a Technical degree and Business Intelligence certificate from N.C. Community Colleges, Marketing and Management Bachelors' degree from a major university, and certification in, Microsoft's Excel 2010 and Microsoft's Access 2013, Six Sigma greenbelt, and Project Management Professional (PMP).