Oz was born in Colombia, South America in 1980. Since that time he has fought in 2 wars, married 3 women, fathered 4 children, rode in a motorcycle club for 5 years and lived completely off the grid in northern Arizona for 10 years. There is never a dull moment in class or around the fire when he is around.
Oz grew up in Ohio where he learned early on that the woods was where life slowed down for him. That passion led him to become an Infantry Marine then to earn the much coveted position of Scout Sniper (8541). Eventually becoming a Team Leader and deploying to war. During his time in the Marine Corps. he also served as an Instructor at the High Risk Personnel School in Quantico, VA, the premier defensive shooting school in the DOD at the time. After 8 years in the Marine Corps. Oz went on to work for various private organizations working overseas for the next few years.
After years of living at a pace that was was unsustainable it was always the same story with Oz, when life got complicated, he got simple.
He moved to Northern Arizona and lived completely Off Grid for 10 years, There he found simple. During those years he was able to begin the process that only nature seemed to be able to provide. While in Northern Arizona he fell back in love with being on the land and exploring new places and learning new skills along the way. Rediscovering that passion for the outdoors eventually lead him to the doorstep of Jack Mountain Bushcraft and Guide School. Since that time he has completed the Wilderness Canoe Semester then returned the next year to become the only student to complete the full 6 month Expedition Instructor in 2023.
Oz brings passion and Intensity to everything he does and loves to inspire the same in those around him.
Educator
• Instructor for the JMBS Wilderness Canoe Semester as well as the 9 week Wilderness Bushcraft Semester.
• Wilderness Instructor at “The Scroll”
Certifications
Jack Mountain Bushcraft School Certifications
• Journeyman Levels 1 and 2
• Engage Levels 1 and 2
• XI Expedition Instructor Certification
• Marine Corps Scout Sniper School
• Marine Corps Advanced Scout Sniper Instructor School
• Jungle Warfare and Survival School
• High Risk Personnel School Instructor
• Marine Corps Instructor Training School
