Branch: Army
Years Served: 2005-2010
Rank: SPC
Military Occupation: Infantry
Hometown: Frisco, TX
Twitter Handle: @eahall123

Tell us a little about you outside of the military: 

• I currently live in Frisco, TX and I am a Financial Advisor with New York Life. 
• After leaving active duty, I obtained a B.A. in Political Science and M.A. in Constitutional Law from The University of Texas at Dallas. 
• I spend much of my free time volunteering and riding my Harley. 
• I currently serve on the board of The American Civil Rights Project, as Judge Advocate for VFW post 8273, volunteer with Mangait Therapeutic horsemanship, and as an alumni volunteer with the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

Why are you participating in the fly-in with IAVA? 

• I believe service does not end when we take the uniform off and that I have a responsibility to help other Veterans, as well as those still serving. 
• Defending education benefits is a priority for me, as I was able to complete a B.A. and M.A. thanks to the GI bill. I even started a doctoral program recently because I have access to veteran benefits. I want to help protect this opportunity for Veterans.

How did your military experience shape you to be the person you are today? 

• I believe that the US military is the best leadership school in the world and has given me the servant leadership skills needed to make a difference. During my time in the Army, I gained confidence in myself, learned to work through challenges, and adapt before even thinking about giving up. These are all things I apply to my life today.

Which one of IAVA’s policy priorities do you believe is the most pressing? Why? 

• Modernizing the VA. During my time working with my fellow Veterans here in Texas, I have seen several problems that could have been easily solved or would have never occurred if the VA modernized as private sector entities have done. The fix won’t be simple, but will save lives.

Which one of IAVA’s policy priorities do you have the strongest personal connection to? Why? 

• Defending education benefits is a priority for me, as I was able to complete a B.A. and M.A. thanks to the GI bill. I even started a doctoral program recently because I have access to veteran benefits. I want to help protect this opportunity for Veterans.

More #AllStarAdvocacy videos are available in IAVA’s 2023 All-Star Advocacy Fly-In video showcase.