Rebuilding Warriors

Hailing from Tampa, Florida, Heather Mentzer answered her first call to duty by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. From Parris Island's 4^th Battalion November Company, PLT. 4006, she graduated basic training as "Series Guide". Thereafter, she went through Marine Combat Training, and was eventually sent to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida for AirCrew school.

From 2007-2012 she proudly served as a helicopter crew chief, deploying to combat three times as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. As helicopter aircrew, she maintained aircraft, conducted inspections and diagnostic testing, and was responsible for the operation and oversight of aircraft-mounted machine guns.

When in flight, she was involved in mission team management and responsible for emergency mechanical troubleshooting. Sgt. Mentzer's proficiency in her duties was recognized with accelerated promotions, numerous commendations, and an instructor role within her occupational specialty.

Immediately following her last deployment to Afghanistan, Heather was diagnosed with PTSD, and several other life-changing ailments. Not yielding to adversity, she continues to focus on resilience and post-traumatic growth for herself and others. Heather is an advocate for mental health treatment and encourages others by speaking openly about her experiences with PTSD.

Sgt. Mentzer is also committed to continuing her service to the country through science. Following her honorable discharge, Mentzer fused her military experiences with her innate curiosity by transitioning from a United States Marine to a physicist.

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Presently pursuing her PhD in physics at UC Santa Cruz, Heather studies the hazards of radiation within the Earth's atmosphere. This is of special interest to the United States Department of Defense (DoD), as it is significant to military aircrew and other aviators. As a result, Sgt. Mentzer stands poised to continue her service by assuming the mantle of a DoD civilian-scientist for the U.S. Air Force after graduation.

Heather's Awards and Decorations:

• Navy and Marine Corps Medal
• Air Medal-Strike-Flight (9^th Award)
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3^rd Award)
• Certificate of Commendation (Individual Award) (2^nd Award)
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
• Meritorious Mast (4^th Award)
• National Defense Service Medal
• NATO Metal-ISAF Afghanistan
• Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
• Navy Unit Commendation
• Combat Aircrew Wings (3 Silver Stars)
• Sharpshooter Rifle Badge
• Marksman Pistol Badge

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Jeff Anderson
CEO/Founder, Rebuilding Warriors