ABOUT SAM

Everyday I wake up knowing I am blessed to have an amazing family and by being an American.  

When we moved to Tampa, my family would plug in our 13" TV to the picnic pavilions at Lowry Park and watch Saturday morning cartoons from the van that was our home.  Afterwards, my mom would drive us back to the truck stop on Hillsborough  Ave where we stayed until her night shift as a minimum wage security guard began.  That's not a sob story, but a tale of overcoming and appreciating what America offers.  The success of me and my siblings is a result of family values and the understanding that this is the greatest nation on earth and we can accomplish anything.

The son of an immigrant father from Syria and mother from a working class of immigrants, Sam attended Egypt Lake Elementary, Bryan 6th Grade Center, Oak Grove and Middleton Middle Schools and graduated from Hillsborough High School earning his Eagle Scout along the way.  Sam went on to The Florida State University where he majored in Motion Picture Television and Recording Arts.  After a year, Sam made the decision to temporarily leave college to earn money for his schooling by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps Reserves; a move that would re-shape his life.  Upon graduation from Parris Island and Tank Mechanic School Sam returned to college and studied Engineering and Economics, ultimately earning a Bachelors in Social Science.

Sam saw what the Marines had to offer and after graduating accepted a commission as an officer and headed off to Flight School.  While earning his wings as a Naval Aviator, 9/11 happened and overnight, routine training became an immediate preparation for war. Sam or "Mitts" as his squadron called him, deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan.  He would also serve in other countries in the Middle East and Central America including duty at U.S. Embassies abroad.  These adventures took him to places where people dreamed of becoming Americans and others where they wanted to destroy our way of life.  He gained experience in diplomacy and leadership as he defended our freedom and the rights of others. 

After decades of travel and battle, Sam was able to return to Tampa and re-settle a few miles from where he grew up.  He started a small media production business and became a Project Manager.  It is in Tampa that Sam met his wife, Jennifer and built a home to raise his children, Reagan and Carter. 

Some of Sam's Military achievements include 

Winged Naval Aviator

Combat Action Ribbon

Air Medal (Strike Flight) x 12

Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with combat V)

Defense Meritorious Service Medal

Iraq Campaign Medal

Afghanistan Campaign medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

Navy Meritorious Unit Medal

Armed Forces Reserve Medal,

Disclaimer

Sam “Mitts” Nashagh is a member of the U.S Marine Corps. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the United States Marine Corps, the Department of the Navy, or the Department of Defense.