Marine Corps Bio

This is kind of strange, because I didn't realize how much (or how little) I've actually done until I had to write a bio. After going through and touting all my accomplishments, this is what I came up with.

This is very light reading. I'm not promising you anything. In fact, if you printed this on a sheet of paper, it probably wouldn't be fit for starting a fire.

THE BIO:

Sergeant Cody Yard enlisted in the Marine Corps from Hartland, Minn., Oct. 15, 2002. He attended boot camp in San Diego, graduated MCT and went directly to the Basic Public Affairs – Writers Course at the Defense Information School, Ft. Meade, Md.

Private First Class Yard reported to Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 1, 2003 as a Combat Correspondent for Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base. There he wrote stories and took photos, writing for external release, but also for the base’s newspaper, The Globe.

On Feb. 1, 2004, Lance Cpl. Yard began to work as the Military Editor for The Globe. As the Military Editor, he was in charge of filling the Mainside and A section of the newspapers. He was also charged with reading all sections of the newspaper to ensure proper AP Stylebook usage and format were consistent throughout the paper.

While on the editorial staff, Yard won a Public Affairs Merit Award for Best Metro Format Newspaper in the Marine Corps.

In December 2004, Cpl. Yard volunteered for a combat tour to Iraq with 2d Marine Logistics Group. He was sent TAD and deployed in February 2005. Not only did Yard turn out more print stories than his counterparts, he also learned broadcast journalism and began shooting video. Some of Yard’s first work was aired on Fox News, while simultaneously broadcasting a live interview with firefighters from Camp Taqaddum, Iraq, utilizing the DVIDs satellite system. He also filmed footage for an instructional video on setting up a Field Food Service System.

Yard joined convoys, arranged air transportation and billeting arrangements for himself in order to produce his stories and travel to other bases in the Al Anbar province.

For his service and professional achievements while serving in Iraq, Yard was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal, and was also recommended for meritorious promotion to sergeant.

After returning from deployment September 2005, Yard was sent back to the Base Public Affairs office where he worked as the Media Chief. He also transitioned back to Military Editor and Press Chief for a team of four Marines.

Sergeant Yard’s personal awards include two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medals. He is married to the former Bernadette Shasky, of Champlin, Minn.

I told you I couldn't promise you would enjoy that.