Erick Leon

About

CPT Leon is a native of the Bronx, New York City. He started his military service in 2002 as an enlisted Infantryman, deploying to Iraq in 2004-2005 with the 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks Hawaii. He then served as a Combat Medic from 2008-2012 with the 367th Military Police Company from Horsham, PA. Simultaneously, he served as a Military Funeral Honor Guard, rendering final honors to over 400 veterans from 2008-2011. Graduating from Temple University’s ROTC program, CPT Leon was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Ordnance Corp in 2012.

Assignments

Captain Leon’s assignments include 38th EOD Company Platoon leader, Fort Stewart, GA; 766th EOD Detachment Commander in support of 3rd and 7th Special Forces Groups (Airborne), Afghanistan 2015; 38th EOD Company Operations Officer in support of the United Kingdom Army exercise Shamal Storm, Jordan in 2016; 79th EOD Battalion S3, Fort Hood, TX; 704th EOD Company Commander, Fort Hood, TX;  79th EOD Battalion Executive Officer, Fort Hood, TX; Assistant Professor of Military Science, Pittsburg State University ROTC, Pittsburg, KS.

Education

He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, and an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from Bucks County College, Newtown, PA. His military education includes the Ordnance Basic Officer Leadership Course, Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD), Infantryman Course, Combat Medic Course, Emergency Medical Technician National Registered, Combat Life Saver Course, Air Assault Course, Unit Movement Officer, Foundation Instructor Facilitator Course , ATF Home-Made Explosives Course, and Combined Logistics Captains Career Course.

Awards

Captain Leon’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3 OLC), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Valorous Unit Award (1 OLC), Meritorious Unit Citation (1 OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserves Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (1 star), Iraq Campaign Medal (1 star) the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2 OLC), NATO Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Driver Badge, Air Assault Badge, German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency (Gold Medal), and the Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge.

CPT Leon is married to Yana, who has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from West Florida University, Pensacola, FL, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. Erick and Yana have two children: Nikolai (3 years old) and Eva (1 year old).