Marcus Shoberg
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army – 75th Ranger Regiment
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Harvard University
From a very young age, Marcus always believed the most noble thing one could do is to dedicate one’s life to the service of others. Inspired by men and women in uniform, he hoped to someday be as commendable and selfless, and jumped at the first opportunity to serve in the U.S. Army. Marcus initially thought he would complete an initial three-year enlistment, but after excelling he was given the chance to join the 75th Ranger Regiment. He would go on to serve 8 years, be awarded the Bronze Star Medal with V Device, and receive a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat before being medically retired.
During a 2017 deployment to the Ghazni Province in Afghanistan, Marcus was part of a special operations raid against a known Al-Qaeda stronghold. While completing the final phase of the operation, he gathered a team to push internally into the compound when they came under fire. Marcus received a gunshot wound to his right forearm just as an enemy grenade detonated at his feet. Other injuries included a left index finger amputation, fractured tibia in both legs, a shattered ulnar in his right arm, and arterial and nervous system damage caused by shrapnel and overpressure, resulting in hemorrhaging.
Overnight, Marcus went from being in the best shape of his life and exceeding many peers to feeling trapped in a broken body navigating shame, anger, and worthlessness as he recovered at Walter Reed over the next several months. Marcus underwent 6 surgeries before being cleared to begin physical and occupational therapy. As he progressed through his recovery, he was motivated by those around him to push forward. Today, he is left with little to no feeling below the knee in his right leg and has similar problems with his left foot. This creates noticeable balance problems which has made physical improvement challenging but not impossible. Mentally, Marcus had to navigate feelings of guilt and deal with night terrors, leaving him feeling vulnerable in every conceivable situation. Accepting that he had more to offer our country and humanity than just being a Ranger allowed Marcus to devise his future goals and look at education for his next journey.
Marcus was accepted to Sentinels of Freedom for the Spring 2020 cohort while attending Pierce Community College, and matriculated to the University of Washington in the Fall of 2020 to study International Affairs. Following a semester, he was accepted to Harvard and decided to relocate across the country to Massachusetts and change his major to Computer Science. He jumped right into school joining several clubs and the rugby team. After a year at Harvard, Marcus realized his mental health was taking a toll and with the support of the Dean and his counselor he took a gap year to focus on himself.
He relocated to Raleigh, NC, and accepted full-time employment as a Data Engineer with Amentum. This has been a great year of growth for Marcus, and he is prepared and ready to return to his studies in the Fall of 2024.
During this time, Sentinels of Freedom has been alongside Marcus providing guidance and support as he navigates his educational journey and return to civilian life.
Bridge for Education Program
Sentinels of Freedom’s Bridge for Education program helps severely wounded post-9/11 veterans with comprehensive personal support and financial assistance as they complete their higher education and achieve success in their post-military careers.
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