Chris is an Army veteran, student, husband, and parent, who has overcome challenges
along the way that might have defeated others, but not Chris.
In his earlier years after completing high school, going to college was not financially
possible, so he decided to join the military. He enlisted in the Army and served from
2001 to 2008. During his service in the field of nuclear biological and chemical reconnaissance,
Chris developed cancerous tumors in his femur twice as a result of radiation poisoning.
He was granted a medical discharge after the second bout with the disease, although
he successfully beat his cancer two times.
Chris wanted to continue in a HAZMAT-related career, but found, even with his military
experience in that field, he couldn’t get a management position without a college
degree. With the aid of the GI Bill and scholarships, he completed his associate degree
in Radiation Health Physics. Completing his degree opened doors to numerous jobs,
and he became the Southwest U.S. Operations Officer for a newly opened branch in Midland
of Allied International Emergency. After some time with the company, his commitment
to his professional growth led him to go into business for himself with a business
partner. The future looked promising, but before long, the partnership was not successful,
and Chris said, “I found myself broke overnight!”
His next career move to a position with Compass Well Services also proved to be a
step in his educational career.
“During my HAZMAT-working period, I traveled all over the world, and I was away from
my wife and kids a lot. Now, I wanted a career that would enable me to be at home
more with my family.”
His supervisors at work supported his decision to get his bachelor’s degree in Occupational
Health and Safety here at Odessa College. Having that degree would open even better
career opportunities for him, as well as improve his standing among his peers and
other companies.
Chris says that he enjoys the additional time that he has with his wife, four sons,
and daughter. When he graduates, he will be the first in his family to get a bachelor’s
degree, and he may pursue his master’s degree.