After a successful career as a Chef, I decided to utilize my college education and go into business for myself, choosing to try my hand in the construction trades, falling back on the things I learned growing up on the farm and through working with my grandfather -- carpentry, masonry, and steelwork. I started Empire Construction Enterprises, LLC (www.empireconstructionofmichigan.com) in 1999 [originally formed as CL Brown's Aquatic Services in 1997), and have been serving the greater Southwest Michigan area from Muskegon to Ann Arbor and as far South as Indiana. I had the priviledge of working with some of the most talented Civil Engineers and 'Seabee' construction workers that the Navy had to offer. Between 2003 and 2013, I spent over six and a half years as a mobilized Reservist, (more like part-time Navy because there was a business still operating at home) deployed around the world to Crete, Italy, Spain, Germany, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Diego Garcia (BIOT), Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Comoros Island, Djibouti, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Other Comments:
At Empire Construction Enterprises, LLC, it is our mission to be the most reliable full-service construction company in Michigan to offer new construction, remodeling, or improvement of single and multi-family homes, kitchens, bathrooms, windows, doors, siding, roofing, additions, garages, luxury swimming pools, and commercial buildings.
OEF - Afghanistan/Consolidation I (2001-06)
From Month/Year
December / 2001
To Month/Year
September / 2006
Description The United Nations authorized an international force – the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) – with a mandate to help the Afghans maintain security in Kabul and surrounding areas. Operating under U.S. General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., ISAF included soldiers from 46 countries, with U.S. troops making up about half its force. ISAF was initially established as a stabilization force by the UN Security Council on 20 December 2001, to secure Kabul. Its mandate did not extend beyond this area for the first few years. On 11 August 2003, NATO assumed political command and coordination of ISAF. On 31 July 2006, ISAF assumed command of the south of the country, and by 5 October 2006, of the east.
Following a Loya jirga, tribal leaders and former exiles established an interim government in Kabul under Hamid Karzai. U.S. forces established their main base at Bagram airbase just north of Kabul. Kandahar airport also became an important U.S. base. Outposts were established in eastern provinces to hunt for Taliban and al-Qaeda fugitives.
My Participation in This Battle or Operation
From Month/Year
December / 2001
To Month/Year
December / 2001
Last Updated: Mar 16, 2020
Personal Memories
People You Remember Scotty Wilkins, Bob Solomon, Todd Bailey, Chuck Black, Daryl Johnson, Dennis Ice, Ray Haas, Bob Swenson
Memories Sidewalk crew, liberty, steak and beer, Hania, Iraklion, and swimming at the pool
