Nick Popaditch Explained

Nick Popaditch
Birth Date:2 July 1967
Birth Place:Hammond, Indiana, U.S.
Nationality:American
Alma Mater:San Diego State University
Party:Republican
Nickname:Gunny Pop[1]
Allegiance:United States
Branch:United States Marine Corps
Serviceyears:1986 - 1992, 1995 - 2005
Rank:Gunnery Sergeant
Unit:1st Tank Battalion
Battles:Persian Gulf War
Iraq War
Awards:Silver Star
Purple Heart

Nicholas Allen Popaditch[2] (born July 2, 1967) is a medically retired United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who gained fame as the "Cigar Marine", recipient of the Silver Star and Purple Heart. He ran unsuccessfully as the 2010 Republican candidate for California's 51st congressional district, losing to incumbent Democrat Bob Filner. He ran again in 2012 in the 53rd congressional district, losing to incumbent Democrat Susan Davis.[3]

Early life and education

Popaditch was born in East Chicago, Indiana and was raised in Terre Haute, Indiana. After choosing not to take up a college scholarship,[4] he enlisted in the Marine Corps.

Military career

Popaditch enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1986, served as a tank commander, and eventually rose to the rank of gunnery sergeant. He saw action in the first Gulf War in 1991 and was honorably discharged in 1992. In 1995, he rejoined the Corps and served with the 1st Tank Battalion at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms and later became a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.[5] [6]

During the Iraq War, Staff Sergeant Popaditch was assigned as a tank commander and platoon sergeant.[7] Participating in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, his unit gained fame when it helped topple the statue of Saddam Hussein in Firdos Square on April 9, 2003.[5] Associated Press photographer Laurent Rebours photographed Popaditch in his tank's cupola, smoking a cigar with the statue of Saddam looming in the background. The image, which earned him the nickname "The Cigar Marine," appeared on the front pages of newspapers around the world to describe the Battle of Baghdad.[7] He would later reveal that his smoking was a celebration of his and his wife's twelfth wedding anniversary as well as victory.[8] Following his return to the United States, he was promoted to gunnery sergeant and volunteered to return to Iraq in 2004.[9]

During his second deployment, Popaditch commanded tanks again in the First Battle of Fallujah in April 2004.[5] During the battle on April 7, supported dismounted infantry with a pair of M1A1 Abrams, and turning onto a narrow street, he opened his hatch for better visibility despite the constant RPG-7 attacks.[10] He was wounded in action in an ambush when a rocket propelled grenade struck him in the head. Blinded and deafened, he struggled to maintain consciousness until his tank was moved out of danger, then was evacuated to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. After a prolonged stay, he was sent back to the United States, ultimately losing his right eye (due to damage to the optic nerve) and hearing in his right ear.[11] At Naval Medical Center San Diego, some of the vision in his remaining left eye was restored by the hospital's medical professionals, while his ocular prosthesis features the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor instead of a pupil. On November 10, 2005, he was awarded the Silver Star for actions in combat.[12] and medically retired at the rank of Gunnery Sergeant on April 22.[13]

Civilian career

After a brief recovery period living in Monterey, California,[14] Popaditch became an active advocate of veteran's issues. In addition to advising and consulting, he serves on the boards of multiple organizations advancing the care of wounded veterans and their families, such as the Purple Heart Advisory board of the Freedom is Not Free organization, the Vet Foundation, the US Department of Veterans Affair's Patient-Centered Care Steering Committee, and speaks for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation of the Desert Cities, and the Independence Fund.[5] Popaditch was profiled by MTV when he was trained by the Wounded Marine Career Foundation in sound production,[15] [16] and later graduated magna cum laude earning a Bachelor of Arts in education from San Diego State University.[17]

In 2008, Popaditch authored, with Mike Steere, the memoir Once a Marine: An Iraq War Tank Commander's Inspirational Memoir of Combat, Courage, and Recovery, (Savas Beatie LLC, 2008), which detailed his combat experiences, recovery, and difficulties with disability and Veterans Administration.[18] It received favorable reviews,[19] [20] [21] was featured on the Commandant of the Marine Corps' recommended professional reading list for all ranks,[22] won The Military-Writers Book of the Year for 2009, and was a national book club selection.[23] In 2012, Popaditch was residing in Chula Vista, and was married, and has two sons.[24] In 2013, Popaditch authored a 178-page book The Ultimate Marine Recruit Training Guidebook, a book for potential Marine recruits.[25] [26] In 2014, Popaditch was studying to become a math teacher.[27]

Political campaigns

2010

On November 10, 2009, Popaditch announced his campaign for California's 51st congressional district as a Republican.[28] The incumbent, Democrat Bob Filner, has held the seat since 1992. It is viewed by most as a Democratic district, though George W. Bush earned 46% of the vote there in 2004. Popaditch was endorsed by former presidential candidate and Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee and former Congressman Duncan L. Hunter; he cited his "love of country" for why he was running for political office.[29] There was also a controversy within the Veterans of Foreign Wars when members disagreed over endorsement,[30] another when the Imperial Valley Press published an editorial cartoon mocking his eyepatch[31] [32] (which Filner called "in poor taste"[33]), and a third when Filner's campaign ran an advertisement accusing Popoditch of not voting in the past eleven years.[34] [35] [36] He was unopposed in the Republican primary, was profiled in the Wall Street Journal,[37] but lost 60%-40% to Filner.[38] [39]

2012

In January 2012, Popaditch announced his intention to seek the congressional seat in the newly redistricted 53rd Congressional District[40] against incumbent Democrat Susan Davis.[41] He received 42% of the vote during the June primary.[42] [43] Endorsed by the San Diego Union Tribune,[44] he lost to Davis in the general election, receiving 39.6% of the vote.

Awards

Popaditch is the recipient of the following awards:[45]

Silver StarPurple Heart
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation MedalNavy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal w/ valor device & 1 award starCombat Action Ribbon w/ 1 award starNavy Presidential Unit Citation
Navy Unit CommendationNavy Meritorious Unit Commendation w/ 1 service starMarine Corps Good Conduct Medal w/ 4 service starsNational Defense Service Medal w/ 1 service star
Southwest Asia Service Medal w/ 2 service starsGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalArmed Forces Service Medal
Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon w/ 3 service starsMarine Corps Drill Instructor RibbonKuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)

Silver Star citation

References

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Introduction to the Book Once a Marine by Nick "Gunny Pop" Popaditch . 27 May 2008 . Weider History Network . 2 March 2012 . https://archive.today/20120907201223/http://www.onceamarine.com/introduction-to-the-book-once-a-marine-by-nick-%E2%80%9Cgunny-pop%E2%80%9D.htm . 7 September 2012 . dead . dmy-all .
  2. Web site: Nicholas A. Popaditch . Military Times Hall of Valor . . 3 March 2012.
  3. Web site: U.S. House of Representatives District 53 - Districtwide Results. California Secretary of State. 7 November 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121110054744/http://vote.sos.ca.gov/returns/us-rep/district/53. 10 November 2012. dead. dmy-all.
  4. News: 2012 Elections Veterans: Tammy Duckworth Among Former Service Members Running For Public Office . Allen G. Breed . Allen G. Breed . 30 September 2012 . 23 June 2013.
  5. Web site: Interviewing Nick Popaditch, the 'Cigar Marine'. Fiano. Cassy. August 3, 2010. Hot Air. https://web.archive.org/web/20161109220924/http://hotair.com/greenroom/archives/2010/08/03/interviewing-nick-popaditch-the-cigar-marine/. 9 November 2016. 5 November 2010.
  6. Web site: Gunnery Sgt. Nick Popaditch. August 12, 2010. Marines magazine. United States Marine Corps. 12. 5 November 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20130219204231/http://marinesmagazine.dodlive.mil/2010/08/12/gunnery-sgt-nick-popaditch/. 19 February 2013. dead.
  7. Web site: Gunnery Sergeant Nick Popaditch - The Cigar Marine - And Someone You Should Know. May 18, 2004. Blackfive. 5 November 2010.
  8. Web site: Marine's celebration cigar had dual meaning. Carter. Chelsea J.. April 10, 2006. Associated Press. 5 November 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20120921045348/http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2006/042006/04102006/181778/index_html?page=1. 21 September 2012. dead. dmy-all.
  9. Book: Oscar E. Gilbert. Marine Corps Tank Battles in the Middle East. 24 November 2015. Casemate Publishers. 978-1-5040-2506-5. Nick Popaditch, recently promoted to Gunnery Sergeant, had volunteered to return to Iraq with C Company, 1st Tank and was now a platoon sergeant..
  10. Web site: We regret to inform you. Carter. Chelsea J.. April 11, 2006. Associated Press. 5 November 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20120921045821/http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2006/042006/04112006/181779. 21 September 2012. dead. dmy-all.
  11. Web site: Coming Home To Uncertainty. Carter. Chelsea J.. April 12, 2006. Associated Press. 5 November 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20120921050200/http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2006/042006/04122006/News/FLS/2006/042006/04122006/181780. 21 September 2012. dead. dmy-all.
  12. Web site: Tanker receives Silver Star, shines at MCAGCC ball. Haskamp. Sgt Jennie E.. November 11, 2005. United States Marine Corps. 5 November 2010.
  13. News: Retired tank commander gives motivating leadership PME. Nola. LCpl Zachary J.. September 22, 2008. The Observation Post. United States Marine Corps. Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms.
  14. Web site: Wounded War Vet Starts Life Anew. Carter. Chelsea J.. April 13, 2006. Associated Press. 5 November 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20120921050701/http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2006/042006/04122006/News/FLS/2006/042006/04132006/News/FLS/2006/042006/04132006/181781. 21 September 2012. dead. dmy-all.
  15. Web site: Training Center Helps Wounded Veterans Work Toward Media Careers . https://web.archive.org/web/20130209164130/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1595298/wounded-veterans-tackle-media-careers.jhtml . dead . February 9, 2013 . Todd Brown . 19 September 2008 . . Viacom International Inc . 11 March 2012.
  16. Web site: Armed and Ready to Film . Mel Cowan . 1 February 2009 . Trojan Family Magazine . . 11 March 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110527075327/http://www.usc.edu/uscnews/stories/16318.html . 27 May 2011 . dead . dmy-all .
  17. Web site: GySgt. Nick Popaditch . Combat Veterans For Congress.org . COMBAT VETERANS FOR CONGRESS PAC . 11 March 2012.
  18. Web site: 'Once a Marine' author tells inspirational memoir of combat, courage and recovery. Brofer. Sgt Jennifer. September 2, 2009. 1st Marine Logistics Group. United States Marine Corps. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. 5 November 2010.
  19. Web site: Reviewer's Bookwatch: Andrew's Bookshelf. Lubin. Andrew. December 2008. Midwest Book Review. 5 November 2010.
  20. Web site: Book Review: Once a Marine. Loring. Robert B.. Leatherneck. Marine Corps Association. 5 November 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20130323044732/http://www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck/bookreview/once-marine-iraq-war-tank-commander%E2%80%99s-inspirational-memoir-combat-courage-and. 23 March 2013. dead.
  21. Web site: Once a Marine: An Iraq War Tank Commander's Inspirational Memoir of Combat, Courage, and Recovery. September 2008. ForeWord. 5 November 2010.
  22. Web site: ALMAR 029/09: Updates to Marine Corps Professional Reading List. Conway. James T.. James T. Conway. September 8, 2009. Commandant of the Marine Corps. United States Marine Corps. 5 November 2010.
  23. Web site: Once a Marine Added to the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Reading List . Sarah Keeney . 26 August 2011 . 11 March 2012.
  24. News: . Nick Popaditch (R) . Wall Street Journal . 2012 . 14 March 2018 .
  25. News: 'Cigar Marine' offers advice to recruits . Gidget Fuentes . San Diego . https://archive.today/20130216104714/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/mobile/news/2013/01/marine-cigar-marine-advice-for-recruits-popaditch-010513w . dead . 16 February 2013 . Marine Corps Times . 5 January 2013 . 5 January 2013 .
  26. News: Want to be a Marine? . Nathan Max . https://archive.today/20130217000110/http://m.utsandiego.com/news/2013/jan/13/tp-want-to-be-a-marine/ . dead . 17 February 2013 . San Diego Union Tribune . 13 January 2013 . 15 January 2013 .
  27. News: Breed . Allen G. . Watson . Julie . 8 January 2014 . Reversals in Hard-Won Iraqi City Vex Veterans . Associated Press . 5 September 2014 .
  28. News: Decorated Marine to run for Filner's seat. Marelius. John. November 10, 2009. San Diego Union-Tribune. June 16, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20160306114013/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2009/nov/10/decorated-marine-run-filners-seat/. March 6, 2016. live. mdy-all.
  29. Web site: Hot Seat: Nick Popaditch. Reed. Chris. December 2, 2009. KOGO. The San Diego Union-Tribune. 5 November 2010.
  30. Web site: VFW-PAC endorsement controversy. October 20, 2010. KUSI. 5 November 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20110211140452/http://www.kusi.com/story/13360896/lenderman-pkg. 11 February 2011. dead. dmy-all.
  31. Web site: California Daily in Hot Water Over Editorial Cartoon. July 13, 2010. Editor & Publisher. 5 November 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20110524225357/http://www.editorandpublisher.com/Headlines/california-daily-in-hot-water-over-editorial-cartoon-61968-.aspx. 24 May 2011. dead. dmy-all.
  32. Web site: In Nick Popaditch vs. a Cartoonist, I Know Who I Bet On. Geraghty. Jim. Jim Geraghty. July 12, 2010. National Review Online. 5 November 2010.
  33. Web site: Congressman calls cartoon of his opponent 'in poor taste'. Perry. Tony. July 13, 2010. Los Angeles Times. 5 November 2010.
  34. Web site: Congressional Candidate Nick Popoditch Calls Voting Allegations "Completely False". October 29, 2010. KUSI. 5 November 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20101101220310/http://www.kusi.com/story/13414219/popaditch-calls-voting-allegations-rediculous. 1 November 2010. dead. dmy-all.
  35. Web site: Nick Popaditch sets the record straight on Good Morning San Diego. Jordan. Tom. November 1, 2010. KUSI. 5 November 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20110211140326/http://www.kusi.com/story/13423799/congressional-candidate-nick-popadictch-set-the-record-striaght-on. 11 February 2011. dead. dmy-all.
  36. Web site: Popaditch on Filner ad: 'This is just who he is'. November 1, 2010. KUSI. 5 November 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20110211140320/http://www.kusi.com/story/13423220/popaditch-responds-to-filners-claim-that-he-didnt-vote-for-11-years. 11 February 2011. dead. dmy-all.
  37. News: Read This Before Joining the Office Pool. John Fund. The Wall Street Journal. 26 October 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20160314034319/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303467004575574302780204796. 14 March 2016. 13 January 2011.
  38. Web site: Former Congressman Duncan Hunter Analyzes Election Results. Hunter. Duncan L.. Duncan L. Hunter. November 3, 2010. KUSI. 5 November 2010.
  39. Web site: Political Consultant John Dadian Analyzes Tuesday's Election Results. Dadian. John. November 3, 2010. KUSI. 5 November 2010.
  40. News: Nick Popaditch, Back for More in 2012! . Jim Geraghty . Jim Geraghty . . 12 January 2012 . 17 January 2012.
  41. News: Republican preparing to take on Rep. Susan Davis . Christopher Cadelago . . 4 December 2012 . 11 March 2012.
  42. News: STATE AND FEDERAL RUN-OFF MATCHUPS FOR NOVEMBER . Raftery . Miriam . East County Magazine . 15 June 2012 . 16 June 2012 . Democratic Congresswoman Susan Davis won the primary handily in a two-candidate race, with 57.67% over Republican Nick Popaditch, who took 42.33%. .
  43. News: PRIMARY 2012: Congressional Districts . San Francisco Chronicle . 7 June 2012 . 14 June 2012 . 42.6.
  44. News: Vote for Popaditch in 53rd House district . U-T San Diego Editorial Board . San Diego Union Tribune . 1 November 2012 . 19 November 2012.
  45. Web site: Campaign publicity photo . 2010-11-05 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100826190319/http://popaditchforcongress.com/images/NickinRiverside.gif . 2010-08-26 . dead .

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