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.

Early Heroic Journey

Jason served as a Corpsman attached to the U.S. Marine Corps. His 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 faced the massive media presence head-on. They risked exposure but successfully completed their mission. This operation marked the first rubber raiding craft amphibious assault since World War II.

In a humorous twist, they were ordered to bring a freshly pressed pair of BDU’s in a plastic bag. After digging in behind the seawall, they had to change into them to appear more presentable to the media. After active duty, Jason continued his commitment to service through the Navy Reserves for an additional twelve years.

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

Commitment to Community

Returning to civilian life did not end Jason’s dedication to serving others. He joined his local Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter and paramedic. He responded to unpredictable emergencies often found in rural America. His experiences ranged from tragic accidents involving livestock to high-risk standoff situations that required split-second decisions.

Jason’s career led him to Boeing as a firefighter/paramedic at a high-security facility, where his military background proved invaluable. He also pursued training as an arson investigator, necessitating his status as a sworn law enforcement officer. This journey opened the door for him 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.

Lifelong Learning and Service

Jason never settled for complacency. He pursued his RN degree and started his own ambulance company. Eventually, he rose to the position of Director of Nursing for a private healthcare organization. Throughout his career, Jason's guiding mission has always been to 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. The disease 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 now gone, while 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 offers vital advice to young people considering careers in the military or as first responders. His insights are grounded in hard-won experience, emphasizing the opportunities available:

"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 fellow veterans through Infidel Custom Knives. He teaches custom knife-making and offers bowfishing trips. His work helps veterans find healing and camaraderie in a supportive community.

Honoring a True Hero

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

In this inspiring journey, we learn that living a life of service is the highest form of dedication. Jason exemplifies the values we all should aspire to. His story is one of bravery, compassion, and commitment to bettering the world around him.

For anyone wishing to support our veterans, reaching out to organizations like Infidel Custom Knives is a great way to contribute to a cause that matters. It can make a difference, one knife or bowfishing trip at a time.