As a two-time Purple Heart recipient, First Lieutenant James Nash understood the gravity of his responsibilities when he gazed upon the vast expanse of Afghanistan awaiting his tank platoon. The expansive and unforgiving terrain reminded him of the rugged landscapes of his upbringing on the outskirts of a small Oregon town. Growing up on a ranch, Nash learned the value of resourcefulness and adaptability, traits that would prove invaluable in the Marine Corps.

"Growing up on a ranch, you found a way to fix whatever problem you had with whatever you could find. That type of ingenuity really lends itself to the Marine Corp., where they’ve been doing more with less since 1775," Nash remarked.

His childhood days were spent mastering rifles and bows, ensuring the safety of his family's ranch, and guiding backcountry hunting trips. Nash's ability to observe vast distances and spot game across open country was a skill honed through years of experience.

"I knew about how to hunt in big, open country because that’s what I grew up doing. Being able to observe at long distances is critically important, and the way to do that is with a spotting scope," he recalled.

In Afghanistan, Nash's resilience was put to the test as he faced mission after mission, each laden with life-or-death decisions. Despite enduring physical and mental hardships, Nash reflected on his deployment as both the best and worst experience of his life.

"It was both the best and worst experience of my life. In combat, everything has a consequence. And the consequences are big. But a lot of it is more about what you don’t do than what you actually do," Nash mused.

Now back home after completing over 100 missions and surviving two injuries, Nash continues to embody the same values he held before his deployment. As a guide in Eastern Oregon, he utilizes his ingenuity and outdoor skills to ensure the safety of his community and the preservation of his ranch's way of life.

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6 Ranch Website: https://6ranch.com/

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