Andrew R. Jones is a Marine Corps Combat Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, participating directly in the Shock & Awe campaign of 2003 with the 1st Marine Division led by General James “Chaos” Mattis. Upon returning home he immediately began struggling with the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, including; nightmares, anxiety attacks, fits of rage and major depression. Andrew went down a path of destruction resulting in homelessness, alcoholism, jail time, divorce, loss of custody to his children and suicidal behavior. The day came where he had to make a choice. Life or death. He chose life and began moving forward with a Marine Corps mentality of motivation and a commitment to never surrender. He has published a book of poems and short stories focused on the struggles of coming home from war titled Healing the Warrior Heart and has been published in several books and literary journals. He now serves as the Founder/Executive Director of Operation Shockwave, sharing his story and passion for life to bring hope to those still in the darkness, while presenting the ability to utilize military principles and training to achieve overall success. He does so through community workshops, motivational talks and through a Veteran Leadership Unit where he trains other Veterans to guide fellow warriors out of the darkness and into an area of success and true joy in life. Andrew is also highly active in his church and assists in leading a Men’s Life Group, encouraging men in all areas of life through God’s Word. Andrew is happily married and lives in Chandler with his wife and two sons.
