Jared Gould – Staff Sargeant(ret.) U.S. Army

Jared joined the United States Army right after the 9/11 attacks in 2001. During his time in the army, he earned 2 military Occupation Specialties (MOS). Jared spent 9 years as a 12B (Combat Engineer). In this job, he handled explosives, firing systems, breaching obstacles and cleared roads of improvised explosive devices (IED’s) and land mines. Jared’s second MOS was 11B (Infantryman). In this job, he would find the enemy personnel, fix in place, close with and finish the enemy by direct or indirect fires. During my military career, I deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was Jared’s plan to retire from the Army after 22 years of service.

Unfortunately, in 2016, Jared sustained a blast injury while clearing the breach of a 25mm auto cannon that misfired, while conducting a live fire training in Romania. He suffered ear injuries, eye injuries, burns, TBI and more. This left him to spend the next 5 years at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center with multiple surgeries, extensive rehabilitation, and recovery. As result he is now hearing and visually impaired but does his best to live as normally as possible. He was medically retired from the Army in August of 2019.

Jared has several hobbies. He is an avid outdoorsman. He loves hunting, fishing, and anything to do with guns (how they work, educating others on safe use and practices, repair techniques). Since retiring, Jared has completed an associate degree in firearms technology. He does plan to expand on that in the future with hopes of becoming a gunsmith and working in the firearms industry. Jared is currently in school to obtain a bachelor’s degree in social work. He has a huge heart and loves to help people.

When he is not doing those things, he is a husband, a great father and loves spending time with his family. Jared has been married to Jamie since 2006. They have 3 children, Jalisa (15), Jared Jr (14) and Jason (9). His family was there during his recovery at Walter Reed, and they have been his number one supporter. Last year

Jared and Jamie started small container gardening with the goal of eating healthier and to try and become more self-sustaining. He is excited to be a recipient of a frontline garden and thankful for all of those that will make it possible for him and his family.

Jared Gould