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Nick Popaditch

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Nick Popaditch
Popaditch in 2005
Personal details
Born(1967-07-02)July 2, 1967(age 57)
Hammond, Indiana,U.S.[1]
NationalityAmerican
Political partyRepublican
Alma materSan Diego State University
AwardsSilver Star
Purple Heart
NicknameGunny Pop[2]
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Marine Corps
Years of service1986–1992, 1995–2005
Rank Gunnery Sergeant
Unit1st Tank Battalion
Battles/warsPersian Gulf War
Iraq War

Nicholas Allen Popaditch[1](born July 2, 1967) is a medically retiredUnited States Marine Corpsgunnery sergeantwho gained fame as the "Cigar Marine", recipient of theSilver StarandPurple Heart.He ran unsuccessfully as the 2010Republicancandidate forCalifornia's51st congressional district,losing to incumbent DemocratBob Filner.He ran again in 2012 in the53rd congressional district,losing to incumbent DemocratSusan Davis.[3]

Early life and education

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Popaditch was born inEast Chicago, Indianaand was raised inTerre Haute, Indiana.After choosing not to take up a college scholarship,[4]he enlisted in the Marine Corps.

Military career

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Popaditchenlistedin the US Marine Corps in 1986, served as a tank commander, and eventually rose to the rank ofgunnery sergeant.He saw action in the firstGulf Warin 1991 and was honorably discharged in 1992. In 1995, he rejoined the Corps and served with the1st Tank BattalionatMarine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palmsand later became adrill instructoratMarine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.[5][6]

During theIraq War,Staff SergeantPopaditch was assigned as a tank commander and platoon sergeant.[7]Participating in the2003 invasion of Iraq,his unit gained fame when ithelped topple the statueofSaddam HusseininFirdos Squareon April 9, 2003.[5]Associated Pressphotographer Laurent Rebours photographed Popaditch in his tank's cupola, smoking a cigar with the statue of Saddam looming in the background. The image, which earned him the nickname "The Cigar Marine," appeared on the front pages of newspapers around the world to describe theBattle of Baghdad.[7]He would later reveal that his smoking was a celebration of his and his wife's twelfth wedding anniversary as well as victory.[8]Following his return to the United States, he was promoted to gunnery sergeant and volunteered to return to Iraq in 2004.[9]

During his second deployment, Popaditch commanded tanks again in theFirst Battle of Fallujahin April 2004.[5]During the battle on April 7, supported dismounted infantry with a pair ofM1A1 Abrams,and turning onto a narrow street, he opened his hatch for better visibility despite the constantRPG-7attacks.[10]He waswounded in actionin an ambush when arocket propelled grenadestruck him in the head. Blinded and deafened, he struggled to maintain consciousness until his tank was moved out of danger, then was evacuated toLandstuhl Regional Medical CenterinGermany.After a prolonged stay, he was sent back to the United States, ultimately losing his right eye (due to damage to theoptic nerve) and hearing in his right ear.[11]AtNaval Medical Center San Diego,some of the vision in his remaining left eye was restored by the hospital's medical professionals, while hisocular prosthesisfeatures theEagle, Globe, and Anchorinstead of a pupil.[citation needed]On November 10, 2005, he was awarded theSilver Starfor actions in combat.[12]and medically retired at the rank of Gunnery Sergeant on April 22.[13]

Civilian career

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After a brief recovery period living inMonterey, California,[14]Popaditch became an active advocate of veteran's issues. In addition to advising and consulting, he serves on the boards of multiple organizations advancing the care of wounded veterans and their families, such as the Purple Heart Advisory board of the Freedom is Not Free organization, the Vet Foundation, the US Department of Veterans Affair's Patient-Centered Care Steering Committee, and speaks for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, TheMarine Corps Scholarship Foundationof the Desert Cities, and the Independence Fund.[5]Popaditch was profiled byMTVwhen he was trained by the Wounded Marine Career Foundation insound production,[15][16]and later graduatedmagna cum laudeearning aBachelor of Artsin education fromSan Diego State University.[17]

In 2008, Popaditch authored, with Mike Steere, the memoirOnce a Marine: An Iraq War Tank Commander's Inspirational Memoir of Combat, Courage, and Recovery,(Savas BeatieLLC, 2008), which detailed his combat experiences, recovery, and difficulties with disability andVeterans Administration.[18]It received favorable reviews,[19][20][21]was featured on theCommandant of the Marine Corps' recommended professional reading list for all ranks,[22]won The Military-Writers Book of the Year for 2009, and was a national book club selection.[23]In 2012, Popaditch was residing inChula Vista,and was married, and has two sons.[24]In 2013, Popaditch authored a 178-page bookThe Ultimate Marine Recruit Training Guidebook,a book for potential Marine recruits.[25][26]In 2014, Popaditch was studying to become a math teacher.[27]

Political campaigns

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2010

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See also:2010 election

On November 10, 2009, Popaditch announced his campaign forCalifornia's 51st congressional districtas aRepublican.[28]The incumbent, DemocratBob Filner,has held the seat since 1992. It is viewed by most as aDemocraticdistrict, thoughGeorge W. Bushearned 46% of the vote there in 2004. Popaditch was endorsed by former presidential candidate andGovernor of ArkansasMike Huckabeeand former CongressmanDuncan L. Hunter;he cited his "love of country" for why he was running for political office.[29]There was also a controversy within theVeterans of Foreign Warswhen members disagreed over endorsement,[30]another when theImperial Valley Presspublished aneditorial cartoonmocking hiseyepatch[31][32](which Filner called "in poor taste"[33]), and a third when Filner's campaign ran an advertisement accusing Popoditch of not voting in the past eleven years.[34][35][36]He was unopposed in the Republican primary, was profiled inthe Wall Street Journal,[37]but lost 60%-40% to Filner.[38][39]

2012

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See also:2012 election

In January 2012, Popaditch announced his intention to seek the congressional seat in the newlyredistricted53rd Congressional District[40]against incumbent DemocratSusan Davis.[41]He received 42% of the vote during theJune primary.[42][43]Endorsed by theSan Diego Union Tribune,[44]he lost to Davis in the general election, receiving 39.6% of the vote.[3]

Awards

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Popaditch is the recipient of the following awards:[45]


V
Gold star
Gold star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Silver Star Purple Heart
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medalw/valor device& 1award star Combat Action Ribbonw/ 1 award star Navy Presidential Unit Citation
Navy Unit Commendation Navy Meritorious Unit Commendationw/ 1service star Marine Corps Good Conduct Medalw/ 4 service stars National Defense Service Medalw/ 1 service star
Southwest Asia Service Medalw/ 2 service stars Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Armed Forces Service Medal
Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbonw/ 3 service stars Marine Corps Drill Instructor Ribbon Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)

Silver Star citation

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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Nicholas A. Popaditch, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Tank Platoon Sergeant, First Platoon, Company C, First Tank Battalion, Second Battalion, First Marine Regiment, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from 6 to 7 April 2004. While on patrol in the city of Al Fallujah, Iraq, Fox Company came under heavy enemy fire and without hesitation, Gunnery Sergeant Popaditch surged his two tanks into the city to support the Marines under fire. He led his tank section several blocks into the city, drawing enemy fire away from the beleaguered Marines. His decisive actions enabled Fox Company to gain a foothold into the city and evacuate a critically wounded Marine. For several hours, enemy forces engaged his tank section with withering rocket-propelled grenade fire until they were destroyed by accurate machine gun fire. Acting as the forward observer for an AC-130 gunship, Gunnery Sergeant Popaditch directed fire onto enemy targets effecting their annihilation. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he moved his tank forward to draw the enemy from their covered and concealed positions allowing the AC-130 to engage them. On the morning of 7 April, Gunnery Sergeant Popaditch was severely wounded by a rocket-propelled grenade blast while fighting insurgents. Blinded and deafened by the blast, he remained calm and ordered his crew to a medical evacuation site. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Popaditch reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.[1]

References

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  1. ^abc"Nicholas A. Popaditch".Military TimesHall of Valor.Gannett Government Media.Retrieved3 March2012.
  2. ^"Introduction to the Book Once a Marine by Nick" Gunny Pop "Popaditch".Weider History Network. 27 May 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 7 September 2012.Retrieved2 March2012.
  3. ^ab"U.S. House of Representatives District 53 - Districtwide Results".California Secretary of State.Archived fromthe originalon 10 November 2012.Retrieved7 November2012.
  4. ^Allen G. Breed (30 September 2012)."2012 Elections Veterans: Tammy Duckworth Among Former Service Members Running For Public Office".Allen G. Breed.Retrieved23 June2013.
  5. ^abcdFiano, Cassy (August 3, 2010)."Interviewing Nick Popaditch, the 'Cigar Marine'".Hot Air.Archived fromthe originalon 9 November 2016.Retrieved5 November2010.
  6. ^"Gunnery Sgt. Nick Popaditch".Marines magazine.United States Marine Corps. August 12, 2010. p. 12. Archived fromthe originalon 19 February 2013.Retrieved5 November2010.
  7. ^ab"Gunnery Sergeant Nick Popaditch - The Cigar Marine - And Someone You Should Know".Blackfive. May 18, 2004.Retrieved5 November2010.
  8. ^Carter, Chelsea J. (10 April 2006)."Marine's celebration cigar had dual meaning".Associated Press.Archived fromthe originalon 21 September 2012.Retrieved5 November2010.
  9. ^Oscar E. Gilbert (24 November 2015).Marine Corps Tank Battles in the Middle East.Casemate Publishers.ISBN978-1-5040-2506-5.Nick Popaditch, recently promoted to Gunnery Sergeant, had volunteered to return to Iraq with C Company, 1st Tank and was now a platoon sergeant.
  10. ^Carter, Chelsea J. (11 April 2006)."We regret to inform you".Associated Press. Archived fromthe originalon 21 September 2012.Retrieved5 November2010.
  11. ^Carter, Chelsea J. (12 April 2006)."Coming Home To Uncertainty".Associated Press. Archived fromthe originalon 21 September 2012.Retrieved5 November2010.
  12. ^Haskamp, Sgt Jennie E. (November 11, 2005)."Tanker receives Silver Star, shines at MCAGCC ball".United States Marine Corps.Retrieved5 November2010.
  13. ^Nola, LCpl Zachary J. (September 22, 2008). "Retired tank commander gives motivating leadership PME".The Observation Post.Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms:United States Marine Corps.
  14. ^Carter, Chelsea J. (13 April 2006)."Wounded War Vet Starts Life Anew".Associated Press. Archived fromthe originalon 21 September 2012.Retrieved5 November2010.
  15. ^Todd Brown (19 September 2008)."Training Center Helps Wounded Veterans Work Toward Media Careers".MTV.Viacom International Inc. Archived fromthe originalon February 9, 2013.Retrieved11 March2012.
  16. ^Mel Cowan (1 February 2009)."Armed and Ready to Film".Trojan Family Magazine.University of Southern California.Archived fromthe originalon 27 May 2011.Retrieved11 March2012.
  17. ^"GySgt. Nick Popaditch".Combat Veterans For Congress.org.COMBAT VETERANS FOR CONGRESS PAC.Retrieved11 March2012.
  18. ^Brofer, Sgt Jennifer (September 2, 2009)."'Once a Marine' author tells inspirational memoir of combat, courage and recovery ".1st Marine Logistics Group.Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton:United States Marine Corps.Retrieved5 November2010.
  19. ^Lubin, Andrew (December 2008)."Reviewer's Bookwatch: Andrew's Bookshelf".Midwest Book Review.Retrieved5 November2010.
  20. ^Loring, Robert B."Book Review: Once a Marine".Leatherneck.Marine Corps Association.Archived fromthe originalon 23 March 2013.Retrieved5 November2010.
  21. ^"Once a Marine: An Iraq War Tank Commander's Inspirational Memoir of Combat, Courage, and Recovery".ForeWord.September 2008.Retrieved5 November2010.
  22. ^Conway, James T.(September 8, 2009)."ALMAR 029/09: Updates to Marine Corps Professional Reading List".Commandant of the Marine Corps.United States Marine Corps.Retrieved5 November2010.
  23. ^Sarah Keeney (26 August 2011)."Once a Marine Added to the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Reading List".Retrieved11 March2012.
  24. ^"Nick Popaditch (R)".Wall Street Journal.2012.Retrieved14 March2018.
  25. ^Gidget Fuentes (5 January 2013)."'Cigar Marine' offers advice to recruits ".Marine Corps Times.San Diego. Archived fromthe originalon 16 February 2013.Retrieved5 January2013.
  26. ^Nathan Max (13 January 2013)."Want to be a Marine?".San Diego Union Tribune.Archived fromthe originalon 17 February 2013.Retrieved15 January2013.
  27. ^Breed, Allen G.; Watson, Julie (8 January 2014)."Reversals in Hard-Won Iraqi City Vex Veterans".Associated Press.Retrieved5 September2014.
  28. ^Marelius, John (November 10, 2009)."Decorated Marine to run for Filner's seat".San Diego Union-Tribune.Archivedfrom the original on March 6, 2016.RetrievedJune 16,2014.
  29. ^Reed, Chris (December 2, 2009)."Hot Seat: Nick Popaditch".KOGO.The San Diego Union-Tribune.Retrieved5 November2010.
  30. ^"VFW-PAC endorsement controversy".KUSI. 20 October 2010. Archived fromthe originalon 11 February 2011.Retrieved5 November2010.
  31. ^"California Daily in Hot Water Over Editorial Cartoon".Editor & Publisher.13 July 2010. Archived fromthe originalon 24 May 2011.Retrieved5 November2010.
  32. ^Geraghty, Jim(July 12, 2010)."In Nick Popaditch vs. a Cartoonist, I Know Who I Bet On".National Review Online.Retrieved5 November2010.
  33. ^Perry, Tony (July 13, 2010)."Congressman calls cartoon of his opponent 'in poor taste'".Los Angeles Times.Retrieved5 November2010.
  34. ^"Congressional Candidate Nick Popoditch Calls Voting Allegations" Completely False "".KUSI. 29 October 2010. Archived fromthe originalon 1 November 2010.Retrieved5 November2010.
  35. ^Jordan, Tom (1 November 2010)."Nick Popaditch sets the record straight on Good Morning San Diego".KUSI. Archived fromthe originalon 11 February 2011.Retrieved5 November2010.
  36. ^"Popaditch on Filner ad: 'This is just who he is'".KUSI. 1 November 2010. Archived fromthe originalon 11 February 2011.Retrieved5 November2010.
  37. ^John Fund (26 October 2010)."Read This Before Joining the Office Pool".The Wall Street Journal.Archived fromthe originalon 14 March 2016.Retrieved13 January2011.
  38. ^Hunter, Duncan L.(November 3, 2010)."Former Congressman Duncan Hunter Analyzes Election Results".KUSI.Retrieved5 November2010.
  39. ^Dadian, John (November 3, 2010)."Political Consultant John Dadian Analyzes Tuesday's Election Results".KUSI.Retrieved5 November2010.
  40. ^Jim Geraghty(12 January 2012)."Nick Popaditch, Back for More in 2012!".National Review Online.Retrieved17 January2012.
  41. ^Christopher Cadelago (4 December 2012)."Republican preparing to take on Rep. Susan Davis".San Diego Union Tribune.Retrieved11 March2012.
  42. ^Miriam, Raftery (15 June 2012)."STATE AND FEDERAL RUN-OFF MATCHUPS FOR NOVEMBER".East County Magazine.Retrieved16 June2012.Democratic Congresswoman Susan Davis won the primary handily in a two-candidate race, with 57.67% over Republican Nick Popaditch, who took 42.33%.
  43. ^"PRIMARY 2012: Congressional Districts".San Francisco Chronicle.7 June 2012.Retrieved14 June2012.42.6
  44. ^U-T San Diego Editorial Board (1 November 2012)."Vote for Popaditch in 53rd House district".San Diego Union Tribune.Retrieved19 November2012.
  45. ^"Campaign publicity photo".Archived fromthe originalon 2010-08-26.Retrieved2010-11-05.
  • Kusmer, Ken (April 10, 2004). "Marine whose photo symbolized Baghdad's fall severely wounded in Fallujah fighting". Associated Press.
  • Carter, Chelsea J. (January 19, 2008). "Lights, camera and a different kind of action: Wounded Marines get training for film careers". Associated Press.
  • "Decorated, cigar-smoking Marine runs for Congress". Associated Press. November 12, 2009.
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