Today Sayre and Preston are joined by Preston Steele. Preston, a former US Army Engineer Officer, graduated from Sapper and Ranger school before heading to Afghanistan. We talk about the unique role of combat engineers in the War on Terror, how the military and our enemies are constantly innovating in the middle of a war, and the challenges of dealing with IEDs. Preston enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard in 2003 —he attended basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, followed by his advanced individual training (AIT) as a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter mechanic. Upon completing AIT, he enrolled at Ohio University where he attended the Army ROTC program. In 2008, Preston commissioned into the U.S. Army as an active-duty Second Lieutenant. From 2009-2012, Preston was assigned to BCT 3-1ID STB, stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Preston’s military training includes Airborne School (2005); Air Assault School (2007); Sapper Leader Course (2009); and Ranger School (2010). From 2011-2012, Preston served as a Sapper Platoon Leader conducting anti-IED, Route Clearance Patrols in Khost Province, Afghanistan. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University and a Master of Business from the University of Kansas. Following his service, he entered the construction and real estate market. Preston has a professional career of over 10 years in the manufacturing and construction industries. He is now the owner and president of Forum Works, a 30-year-old manufacturer serving the commercial construction industry in central Ohio. Preston enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 children, volunteering with multiple Veteran organizations, and spearheading a public-private partnership to redevelop an inner-city community in Franklin County, Ohio. In the summer of 2021, Preston assisted in the evacuation of Afghan allies left stranded upon the withdrawal of American forces. You can contact Preston via email at [email protected]

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