Veteran Story: Christopher Sherbak

I made the transition from "green" to "green and gray" with the National Park Service Christopher Sherbak

Park Ranger Christopher Sherbak at Aztec Ruins National Monument

NPS Photo.

I enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in September of 2002. After transitioning to active duty in 2007, my first deployment was in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 4^th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1^st Infantry Division out of Ft. Riley, Kansas from 2007 - 2008. I deployed again in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 506^th Quartermaster Company out of Ft. Lee, Virginia from 2009 - 2010. In May of 2013, I was medically retired due to complications of injuries sustained.

Upon transitioning from the Army, I took advantage of the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill and enrolled at Indiana University seeking a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Anthropology. I graduated from Indiana University in May of 2017 with the academic honors of Highest Distinction. After graduation, I made the transition from "green" to "green and gray" with the National Park Service. My first position was as a Park Guide at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Porter, Indiana.

After completing my first season in the National Park Service, I successfully competed for a position at Aztec Ruins National Monument in Aztec, New Mexico as an Interpretive Park Ranger. In addition to these position duties, I agreed to lead this NPS site's military outreach initiative, working with local veteran organizations and military installations to promote opportunities for recreation and service within the National Park Service. My discipline, adherence to standards, and professional bearing have all transferred to this new found role in the National Park Service, where I continue to serve as another uniformed representative within the Federal Government.