Zack Kreisheimer

Name: Zack Kreisheimer
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Branch: US Army
Years Served: 10
Rank: E5
Military Occupation: Combat Medic
X (Twitter) Handle: @zack_kreish

Tell us a little about you outside of the military: 

I am happily married with a 7-year-old son and a baby on the way! Family is everything so you will find me with them when I am not at work. I work as a Business Development Manager for AVE and love it full heartedly.

What do you hope to gain from the fellowship? 

I hope to gain the leadership aspect of running and going through the fly in. I look forward to leading fellow veterans again and be able to gain mentorship from them as well to be able to bring back to my life. Especially in my work life and my continued advocacy at a state and local level.

What does advocacy mean to you?

Advocacy to me means standing up for the voiceless. Being able to share my story and to know that it has an impact on other veterans is biggest impact I can make!

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

My military experience shaped me into the man I am today specifically my confidence and how I carry myself today. It showed me so much about the world and how we are so lucky to have what we have in America. It gave me opportunities that I never thought I would be doing today.

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

Suicide and Mental health is the most important and pressing policy priority that is facing the veteran community, in my opinion. This issue hits extremely close to home being that I have had to many of my friends and fellow soldiers succumb to those demons that haunt them. I have been to way too many funerals that should have been avoided. Alternative therapies plays a vital part in helping veterans who are facing mental health and PTSD other means to fight their battles.

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

Suicide and Mental health is the most important and pressing policy priority that is facing the veteran community, in my opinion. This issue hits extremely close to home being that I have had to many of my friends and fellow soldiers succumb to those demons that haunt them. I have been to way too many funerals that should have been avoided. Alternative therapies plays a vital part in helping veterans who are facing mental health and PTSD other means to fight their battles.