Samuel Shepherd, served 350 days with the United Nations Joint Security Area, a detachment of the U. S. Army, serving about 130 days in the DMZ between North and South Korea. As a member of the Scout platoon. During this time, Mr. Shepherd was shot at once, had two bombs exploded near him, and walked out of two live minefields. Samuel Shepherd participated in the United Nations, Joint Security Area. Mr. Shepherd also participated (with the 2/505 PIR, 82^nd Airborne Division) in Operation Safe-Haven (1994-1995), Operation Clean-sweep (1995), and Operation Allied Force: Kosovo (1999).

Mr. Shepherd served in the U.S. Army from June 1992 to June 1999. During this time, Mr. Shepherd served with Charlie Company, 1^st Battalion, Ranger regiment, JSA Scout platoon, UN-JSA Panmunjom, Korea, Alpha Company and Headquarters Company of 2^nd Battalion, 505 infantry regiment of 82^nd Airborne Division. While a member of Alpha Co, Sgt. Shepherd lead a six-man Recon team (1996-1997). Mr. Shepherd has accumulated 51 parachute jumps from four fixed-wing and Four rotary-wing aircraft and numerous Air-assault missions.

Mr. Shepherd earned four unit awards, individually; he has earned seven metals (three awarded twice), four ribbons, American and German parachute (wings) badges, and nine other awards, including the ROTC  Recon badge, with 13 letters of commendation. March 14, 2023 Mr. Shepherd suffered a stroke, nearly ending his life twice that night. another stroke Again in July 2023. Since then he has been diagnosed with Dysarthria (trouble speaking). Samuel Shepherd was an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) for a year and a Half With the local Forsyth rescue squad 1990-1992, and served seven years in the military as a Combat Liver Saver, 1993-1999. He Served as a project coordinator 1993-1996, a military intelligence operator 1993-1994, an Information Technician 1995-1999, and various leadership positions, 1993-1999.

After military service, Mr. Shepherd earned a Technical degree and a Business Intelligence certificate from N.C. Community Colleges, Marketing and Management Bachelors’ degree from a major University, a Master’s in Project Management from a state university, and certifications in Microsoft’s Excel 2010 and Microsoft’s Access 2013, Six Sigma greenbelt, and the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

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