hero of the month

A Salute to Our Hero of the Month: Jason Shepherd

Soldier, Cop, Firefighter, Survivor

By Rich Alvarez

May 1, 2025

U.S. Marines wade ashore during Operation Restore Hope, 1992. Jason Shepherd was among those on the frontlines of this humanitarian mission.

Jason Shepherd’s story is a testament to courage, resilience, and lifelong service. Raised in the small town of Cambridge, Ohio, Jason enlisted in the U.S. Navy at just 17 ½ years old, seeking opportunity and purpose.

Selected to serve as a Corpsman attached to the U.S. Marine Corps, Jason’s journey into heroism began on the shores of Somalia during Operation Restore Hope in 1992. Tasked with securing a beachhead for humanitarian aid efforts, Jason and his team landed under the floodlights of a massive media presence—risking exposure but successfully completing their mission. It was the first rubber raiding craft amphibious assault since WWII.  On a humorous note, they were ordered to bring a freshly pressed pair of BDU’s in a plastic bag and were ordered to change into them once they dug in behind the seawall, so they could appear more presentable to the media.

After active duty, Jason continued to serve in the Navy Reserves for another 12 years.

Caption: Jason (second from right) with his fellow volunteer firefighters, serving the community in rural Ohio.

Returning to civilian life didn’t end Jason’s commitment to serving others. He joined his local Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter and paramedic, responding to the unpredictable and sometimes bizarre emergencies only found in rural America. His experiences ranged from tragic accidents involving livestock to high-risk standoff situations requiring split-second decisions.

Jason’s career then led him to Boeing as a firefighter/paramedic at a high-security facility, where his military background made him a natural fit. He also pursued training as an arson investigator, a path that required becoming a sworn law enforcement officer. This opened the door for Jason to serve as a police officer as well.

Caption: Jason Shepherd during his time as a police officer, bringing the same courage and commitment he showed on the battlefield

Never one to rest, Jason pursued his RN degree, started his own ambulance company, and eventually rose to Director of Nursing for a private healthcare organization. His path was always guided by one mission: serve others with strength, skill, and heart.

Facing His Greatest Battle: Stage 4 Liver Cancer

In true warrior fashion, Jason faced a devastating diagnosis in recent years—Stage 4 Liver Cancer that had spread to his lungs, lymph nodes, and colon. Despite the grim news, Jason’s positivity and mental fortitude never wavered.

Thanks to a surgically implanted HAI pump delivering targeted chemotherapy, Jason has seen remarkable results: the tumors in his colon and lymph nodes are gone, and the spots on his lungs and liver have dramatically shrunk.

"Once the spots on my lungs clear up, they can cut the liver in half, and I’ll be cured," Jason says. "I stay busy and keep a positive attitude. I never feel sorry for myself."

Words of Wisdom for the Next Generation

Jason’s advice to young people entering the military or first responder fields is grounded in hard-won experience:

"The military is a great opportunity. It paid for my college, and I have VA benefits for life. If you’re not happy where you’re at, use it as a stepping stone to build something bigger."

Today, Jason also gives back to veterans through Infidel Custom Knives, teaching custom knife making and offering bowfishing trips—helping fellow veterans find healing and camaraderie.

Honoring a True Hero

Jason Shepherd’s life reminds us that heroism is not found in a single moment—but in a lifetime of service, resilience, and giving back.We salute you, Jason — soldier, firefighter, police officer, nurse, survivor, mentor — and above all, hero.