Nick Popaditch

Nick Popaditch
Nick Popaditch
GySgt Popaditch in uniform in 2005
Republican Party nominee for
Congress from California's 51st congressional district
Election date
November 2, 2010
Opponent(s) Bob Filner (D)
Incumbent Bob Filner
Personal details
Born July 2, 1967
East Chicago, Indiana
Nationality American
Political party Republican
Residence Chula Vista, California
Alma mater San Diego State University
Website http://www.popaditchforcongress.com/
Military service
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Marine Corps
Years of service 1986–1992 & 1995–2005
Rank Gunnery Sergeant
Unit 1st Tank Battalion
Battles/wars Gulf War
Iraq War
Awards Silver Star
Purple Heart

Nick Popaditch (born July 2, 1967) is a medically retired United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant who gained fame as the "Cigar Marine", recipient of the Silver Star and Purple Heart, and the unsuccessful 2010 Republican candidate for California's 51st congressional district, losing to Democrat Bob Filner.

Contents

Military career

The iconic "Cigar Marine" AP photograph taken by Laurent Rebours just before the Firdos Square statue destruction on April 9, 2003

Popaditch was born in East Chicago, Indiana and was raised in Terre Haute, Indiana. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1986, served as a tank commander, and eventually rose to the rank of sergeant. He saw action in the first Gulf War in 1991 and was honorably discharged in 1992. In 1995, he rejoined the Corps and served with the 1st Tank Battalion at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms and later became a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.[1][2]

During the Iraq War, Staff Sergeant Popaditch was assigned as a tank commander and platoon sergeant.[3] Participating in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, his unit gained fame when it helped topple the statue of Saddam Hussein in Firdos Square on April 9, 2003.[1] Associated Press photographer Laurent Rebours photographed Popaditch in his tank’s cupola, smoking a cigar with the statue of Saddam looming in the background. The image, which earned him the nickname “The Cigar Marine,” appeared on the front pages of newspapers around the world to describe the Battle of Baghdad.[3] He would later reveal that his smoking was a celebration of his and his wife's twelfth wedding anniversiary as well as victory.[4] Following his return to the United States, he was promoted to gunnery sergeant and volunteered to return to Iraq in 2004.

During his second deployment, Popaditch commanded tanks again in the First Battle of Fallujah in April 2004.[1] During the battle on April 7, supported dismounted infantry with a pair of M1 Abrams, and turning onto a narrow street, he opened his hatch for better visibility despite the constant RPG-7 attacks.[5] He was wounded in action in an ambush when a rocket propelled grenade struck him in the head. Blinded and deafened, he struggled to maintain consciousness until his tank was moved out of danger, then was evacuated to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. After a prolonged stay, he was sent back to the United States, ultimately losing his right eye (due to damage to the optic nerve) and hearing in his right ear.[6] At Naval Medical Center San Diego, some of the vision in his remaining left eye was restored by the hospital’s medical professionals, while his ocular prosthesis features the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor instead of a pupil.[7] He was awarded the Silver Star for actions in combat on November 10, 2005,[8] and medically retired at the rank of Gunnery Sergeant on April 22.[9]

Civilian career

After a brief recovery period living in Monterey, California,[10] Popaditch became an active advocate of veteran’s issues. In addition to advising and consulting, he serves on the boards of multiple organizations advancing the care of wounded veterans and their families, such as the Purple Heart Advisory board of the Freedom is Not Free organization, the Vet Foundation, the VA's Patient-Centered Care Steering Committee, and speaks for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation of the Desert Cities, and the Independence Fund.[1] Popaditch additionally acquired his California state teaching credential in social sciences at San Diego State University.

In 2008 Popaditch authored, with Mike Steere, the memoir Once a Marine: An Iraq War Tank Commander’s Inspirational Memoir of Combat, Courage, and Recovery, (Savas Beatie LLC, 2008), which detailed his combat experiences, recovery, and difficulties with disability and Veterans Administration.[11] It received favorable reviews,[12][13][14] was featured on the Commandant of the Marine Corps' recommended professional reading list for all ranks,[15] won The Military-Writers Book of the Year for 2009, and was a national book club selection.

Popaditch resides in Chula Vista, California with his wife April and their two sons, Richard and Nicholas, Jr.

2010 Congressional campaign

See also: United States House of Representatives elections in California, 2010#District 51

On November 10, 2009 Popaditch announced his campaign for California's 51st congressional district as a Republican.[16] The incumbent, Democrat Bob Filner, has held the seat since 1992. It is viewed by most as a Democratic district, though George W. Bush earned 46% of the vote there in 2004. Popaditch was endorsed by former presidential candidate and Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee and former Congressman Duncan Hunter; he cited his "love of country" for why he was running for political office.[17] There was also a controversy within the Veterans of Foreign Wars when members disagreed over endorsement,[18] another when the Imperial Valley Press published an editorial cartoon mocking his eyepatch[19][20][21] (which Filner called "in poor taste"[22]), and a third when Filner's campaign ran an advertisement accusing Popoditch of not voting in the past eleven years.[23][24][25] He was unopposed in the Republican primary, was profiled in the Wall Street Journal,[26] but lost 60%-40% to Filner.[27][28] After the election results were announced, Popaditch attempted to shake Filner's hand and a group of his supporters allegedly scuffled with Filner's supporters.[29]

Awards

Popaditch is the recipient of the following awards:[30]

V
Gold star
Gold star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Silver Star Purple Heart
Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/ valor device & 1 award star Combat Action Ribbon w/ 1 award star Navy Presidential Unit Citation
Navy Unit Commendation Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation w/ 1 service star Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal w/ 4 service stars National Defense Service Medal w/ 1 service star
Southwest Asia Service Medal w/ 2 service stars Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Armed Forces Service Medal
Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon w/ 3 service stars Marine Corps Drill Instructor Ribbon Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)

References

  1. ^ a b c d Fiano, Cassy (August 3, 2010). "Interviewing Nick Popaditch, the ‘Cigar Marine’". Hot Air. http://hotair.com/greenroom/archives/2010/08/03/interviewing-nick-popaditch-the-cigar-marine/. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  2. ^ "Gunnery Sgt. Nick Popaditch". Marines magazine. United States Marine Corps. August 12, 2010. pp. 12. http://marinesmagazine.dodlive.mil/2010/08/12/gunnery-sgt-nick-popaditch/. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  3. ^ a b "Gunnery Sergeant Nick Popaditch - The Cigar Marine - And Someone You Should Know". Blackfive. May 18, 2004. http://www.blackfive.net/main/2004/05/staff_sergeant_.html. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  4. ^ Carter, Chelsea J. (April 10, 2006). "Marine's celebration cigar had dual meaning". Associated Press. http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2006/042006/04102006/181778/index_html?page=1. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  5. ^ Carter, Chelsea J. (April 11, 2006). "'We regret to inform you'". Associated Press. http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2006/042006/04112006/181779. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  6. ^ Carter, Chelsea J. (April 12, 2006). "Coming Home To Uncertainty". Associated Press. http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2006/042006/04122006/News/FLS/2006/042006/04122006/181780. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  7. ^ May, Caroline (August 8, 2010). "Meet retired Gunnery Sergeant Nick Popaditch, Republican candidate for California’s 51st district". The Daily Caller. http://dailycaller.com/2010/08/09/meet-retired-gunnery-sergeant-nick-popaditch-republican-candidate-for-californias-51st-district/. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  8. ^ Haskamp, Sgt Jennie E. (November 11, 2005). "Tanker receives Silver Star, shines at MCAGCC ball". United States Marine Corps. http://www.marines.mil/unit/hqmc/Pages/2005/Tanker%20receives%20Silver%20Star,%20shines%20at%20MCAGCC%20ball.aspx. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  9. ^ Nola, LCpl Zachary J. (September 22, 2008). "Retired tank commander gives motivating leadership PME". The Observation Post (Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms: United States Marine Corps). 
  10. ^ Carter, Chelsea J. (April 13, 2006). "Wounded War Vet Starts Life Anew". Associated Press. http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2006/042006/04122006/News/FLS/2006/042006/04132006/News/FLS/2006/042006/04132006/181781. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  11. ^ Brofer, Sgt Jennifer (September 2, 2009). "'Once a Marine' author tells inspirational memoir of combat, courage and recovery". 1st Marine Logistics Group. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton: United States Marine Corps. http://www.marines.mil/unit/1stmlg/Pages/'OnceaMarine'authortellsinspirationalmemoirofcombat,courageandrecovery.aspx. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  12. ^ Lubin, Andrew (December 2008). "Reviewer's Bookwatch: Andrew's Bookshelf". Midwest Book Review. http://www.midwestbookreview.com/rbw/dec_08.htm. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  13. ^ Loring, Robert B.. "Book Review: Once a Marine". Leatherneck. Marine Corps Association. http://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/bookreview/once-marine-iraq-war-tank-commander%E2%80%99s-inspirational-memoir-combat-courage-and. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  14. ^ "Once a Marine: An Iraq War Tank Commander’s Inspirational Memoir of Combat, Courage, and Recovery". ForeWord. September 2008. http://www.forewordreviews.com/reviews/once-a-marine-an-iraq-war-tank-commander-s-inspirational-memoir-of-combat-courage-and-recovery/. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  15. ^ Conway, James T. (September 8, 2009). "ALMAR 029/09: Updates to Marine Corps Professional Reading List". Commandant of the Marine Corps. United States Marine Corps. http://www.marines.mil/news/messages/Pages/ALMAR029-09.aspx. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  16. ^ "Interview". KUSI. November 10, 2009. http://www.kusi.com/news/local/69673077.html. Retrieved 5 November 2010. [dead link]
  17. ^ Reed, Chris (December 2, 2009). "Hot Seat: Nick Popaditch". KOGO. The San Diego Union-Tribune. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/dec/02/hot-seat-nick-popaditch/. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  18. ^ "VFW-PAC endorsement controversy". KUSI. October 20, 2010. http://www.kusi.com/story/13360896/lenderman-pkg. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  19. ^ "California Daily in Hot Water Over Editorial Cartoon". Editor & Publisher. July 13, 2010. http://www.editorandpublisher.com/Headlines/california-daily-in-hot-water-over-editorial-cartoon-61968-.aspx. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  20. ^ Geraghty, Jim (July 12, 2010). "In Nick Popaditch vs. a Cartoonist, I Know Who I Bet On". National Review Online. http://www.nationalreview.com/campaign-spot/230959/nick-popaditch-vs-cartoonist-i-know-who-i-bet. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  21. ^ Simpson, James M. (July 21, 2010). "Cartoon Ridicules Combat-Wounded Veteran Congressional Candidate, and Backfires". BigGovernment.com. http://biggovernment.com/jmsimpson/2010/07/20/cartoon-ridicules-combat-wounded-veteran-congressional-candidate-and-backfires/. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  22. ^ Perry, Tony (July 13, 2010). "Congressman calls cartoon of his opponent 'in poor taste'". Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jul/13/local/la-me-0713-cartoon-flap-20100713. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  23. ^ "Congressional Candidate Nick Popoditch Calls Voting Allegations "Completely False"". KUSI. October 29, 2010. http://www.kusi.com/story/13414219/popaditch-calls-voting-allegations-rediculous. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  24. ^ Jordan, Tom (November 1, 2010). "Nick Popaditch sets the record straight on Good Morning San Diego". KUSI. http://www.kusi.com/story/13423799/congressional-candidate-nick-popadictch-set-the-record-striaght-on. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  25. ^ "Popaditch on Filner ad: 'This is just who he is'". KUSI. November 1, 2010. http://www.kusi.com/story/13423220/popaditch-responds-to-filners-claim-that-he-didnt-vote-for-11-years. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  26. ^ John Fund (26 October, 2010). "Read This Before Joining the Office Pool". The Wall Street Journal. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303467004575574302780204796.html. Retrieved 13 January 2011. 
  27. ^ Hunter, Duncan (November 3, 2010). "Former Congressman Duncan Hunter Analyzes Election Results". KUSI. http://www.kusi.com/video?clipId=5256365&autostart=true. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  28. ^ Dadian, John (November 3, 2010). "Political Consultant John Dadian Analyzes Tuesday's Election Results". KUSI. http://www.kusi.com/video?clipId=5257373&autostart=true. Retrieved 5 November 2010. 
  29. ^ "SUN TV: Bob Filner Harassed at Golden Hall by Challenger". Southwestern College Sun. 3 November 2010. http://www.southwesterncollegesun.com/news/sun-tv-bob-filner-harassed-at-golden-hall-by-challenger-1.1744755. Retrieved 12 January 2011. 
  30. ^ Campaign publicity photo and profile photo
  • Kusmer, Ken (April 10, 2004). "Marine whose photo symbolized Baghdad's fall severely wounded in Fallujah fighting". Associated Press. 
  • Carter, Chelsea J. (January 19, 2008). "Lights, camera and a different kind of action: Wounded Marines get training for film careers". Associated Press. 
  • "Decorated, cigar-smoking Marine runs for Congress". Associated Press. November 12, 2009. 

External links

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