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973rd Bios

This is an odd collection of people. Each of us come together to do something important, , each of us doing it for different, sometimes very personal reasons. All of us are volunteers, all of us take time away from school, work and families to support these service men and law enforcement officers. We have become a tight group through the work we do together. Very few of us share the typical connection points that bring a group together; we have varied political views, religious affiliations, and we come from every walk of life, but we share a passion for this work and we conisider it an honor and a privilage to stand in support of those who serve America.

John’s been an aviation and military historian since 1990. Initially, John worked for a couple of computer game companies, including Strategic Simulations Inc., and Dynamix Inc., helping to research, design and produce wargames and flight simulators. He left the 9-5 world to start writing in 1996 and for the next ten years he wrote five books, consulted on numerous computer game projects, museum displays in the U.S. and Europe, and worked on a variety of military history-related documentary projects.

From 2005 until now, John’s written and co-authored five more books, all of which focus on the War on Terror or Operation Iraqi Freedom. His seventh book, “House to House” written with SSG David Bellavia was called by the Oregonian, “a 21st Century Red Badge of Courage.”

John holds a B/A in history from the University of Oregon and outside of drill weekends with the 973rd, lives a quiet life in Independence with his wife, two kids and more cats than he’d care to admit.

Mark Farley lives in the Corvallis area with his wife and 10 year old son. He's VP of PathWorks Inc., an interactive media development company specializing in computer based training and development, Mark previously worked at various advertising and design agencies throughout the Willamette valley and also spent 5 satisfying years as an instructor for Linn-Benton Community College's graphic design program.

Mark enjoys motorcycling, gardening, cooking, backpacking, airsofting and just about any other activity he can get his hands on.

"The first time I volunteered with this group I was part of a scenario where I was playing a hostile detainee. I was zip-cuffed in the mud with rain pelting my face. Two young soldiers were standing over me with guns at the ready. One of our team detonated the car bomb and blew up the whole area. The NCO called out kills and wounds, and the two kids guarding me were called dead. The shock on their faces was heartbreaking. I thought of my own son, I thought of those two young soldiers parents, and from that moment forward I was committed wholeheartedly to doing what I could for them. It has been a privilege and an honor to work with the soldiers and law enforcement who serve us - it has changed my life and the way I see the world"

Andrew Bowder, age 20, lives in Albany Oregon, and is a college sophmore.

I love this country.  She has had her good times and she has had rough times but she has always been good to me.  I believe that we have an innate right to possess freedom.  I believe that one man is just as important as the next.  I believe that this nation has the most potential to become the ideal.  This being said I believe that the people of this world are inherently corrupt and need to be kept in line.  Imagine no governments.  Imagine no laws.  People would not (for the majority) stick their neck out for another.  This is why we need authority.  Our country has the authority we need.

When I was in high school I played lots of sports.  I wasn’t great but most people would classify me as a jock.  My senior year I had an accident.  I tore my ACL and my lateral meniscus.  This made me miss my Championship football game, State wrestling and most of Track that year.  This also made me unable to join the military.  I probably would have joined the Marines.  Funny how this happens but soon after my best friend introduced me to John at an airsoft skirmish.  Later, I gradually became involved with the OPFOR group 973 COB . This was the proverbial “answer-to-my-prayers” because I can help my country that I love in a manner that will make a difference.  My knee still hurts from time to time while being zip-tied and on my knees but I know what I do directly affects how many people come home, whether it is the Police or the National Guard.  Many of these men have families and I like to think that the things I have helped them learn may have changed their fate and the fate of their families.

This is why I do what I do.

Bio to come.

Joe Mikkelson was born December 4th, 1988 in Corvallis, Oregon to John and LeeAnn Mikkelson. His life since then has been a zig-zagging roundabout journey through the continental United States. A Marine Corps brat, he has seen 40 out of the 48 continental United States, and is about to add Hawaii to that list, bringing the total count to 41. Home schooled until 2004, Joe attended Santiam Christian High in Adair Village, Oregon for his last three years of high school. Joe Mikkelson is currently attending Oregon State University as a Sophomore.

Rakishly handsome and fiercely intelligent, Joe is studying Music Education at OSU, and the bulk of his 18 semester credits are music classes. Consequently, he enjoys creating music in his spare time. He considers himself an excellent driver, a sound judge of character, a talented vocalist, a skilled "airsmith" and a generally outstanding human being. Joe's hobbies include airsoft, biking, music and skiing.

"I have been with the 973rd COB since February of 2008 and have been privileged to spend time and work with some of the most genuinely good people on this earth. Whether preparing soldiers to fight and survive, or helping law enforcement to protect and serve, I believe that what we do has purpose. I don't claim to be enlightened, or even to know anything about the world, but I can tell you without a shred of doubt that this experience has changed my perspective on life. Life is short, and it's an absolute waste to spend even a day of one's life doing something one doesn't believe in. This is why I support the troops and law enforcement. Not because I believe in violence, killing, or war; but because I believe in justice, respect and peace. Even if what I do is just a small step, or a drop in the bucket, I know I will look back and smile when I remember living my beliefs with no regret."

Spencer grew up in the Salem/Keizer area and attended Salem Academy high school, where he played varsity football and track until his senior year. He completed football, lettering three consecutive years. He joined the COB’s in February 08. Since that day Spencer has devoted much of his time and resources to the assisting of the 973 COB’s in whatever they needed.

Spencer considers himself an accomplished airsmith, amateur tactician, and an avid airsofter. He is currently attending Willamette University, studying Physics and Japanese and recuperating from knee surgery.

Aaron Allen, 21 years old, is currently living in Portland Oregon working as an Information Technology Specialist. Being an aspiring hip-hop artist he uses what free time he has for writing and recording music, and the occasional airsoft games
with his COB buddies.

"I can't say that I love the way this country is put together, so much
corruption and deception; its almost odd to see someone doing good in this
world today. Even though I am against war, I don't want to see our
family and friends shipped out to a sandy grave. I will do everything
in my power to make sure that they are adequately prepared to face the
struggles that lie ahead. I have a brother currently serving with the
2-162 Alpha Co. and every time I attend a training it always hits home
for me."

Bio to come.

Shaun Phillips, lives in Monmouth Oregon with his wife and daughter, and works as a computer support specialist. He enjoys gaming and playing airsoft with his COB buddies. He has two sisters deployed to Iraq, one doing her 5th tour, and the other, her 3rd. His brother in-law, is also currently enlisted as a member of the 2-162.

"Although I know I can't be there to help protect my family members while they are deployed I feel safer knowing that what I am doing, and what I am helping these men and women learn might might some day help save not only their own lives, but the lives of my sisters.Until they both come home I will continue to help teach those who fight …"

Kyle Taylor lives in the Independence area with his family. He is usually a quiet, self-declared country boy who spends most of his time studying biology with a cellular and molecular emphasis, and on occasion he likes to read poetry. However Kyle also likes watching UFC fights and enjoys learning about self defense. He is honored to be a part of the 973rd and would like nothing more than to continue working with them for years to come.

In his free time Kyle enjoys playing computer games, working out, eating fast food, and seeking a mate.

"Some people put magnets on their cars saying that they support the troops. We at the 973rd, don't feel that'sgood enough. We will get tackled, beaten, arrested, sunburned, soaking wet, and anything else unpleasant for our boys. That's how we say thanks."

David Akin lives in Tualatin with his wife and five cats ,three (moe, larry and curly) showed up for the free room and board. David grew up in his father's tire stores and have been changing tires at five different Costco tire centers for the past twenty two years. He enjoys background acting in films, and aspires to become a film maker. He collects Soviet medals and Michelin Man memorabilia.

"All I can say about the the 973rd is I feel inadequate and humbled ever time we're on the field. It's been an honor to participate."

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