James Wusterbarth has made a name as a versatile independent contractor, possessing a rich tapestry of experiences across various professional landscapes internationally. His commitment to continuous education and diverse skill sets have seen him through roles in the military, medical school academia, news broadcasting, federal law enforcement, and global contracting. Born in Heidelberg, Germany, his life trajectory changed when he embarked on his professional journey in Washington, D.C., during the 1990s, starting at the Center for Counterterrorism Studies where one of his weekly tasks was giving briefings on the activities and whereabouts of Osama Bin Laden and other terrorist leaders. This path soon led him to serve as a U.S. Naval Officer, marking the beginning of a period filled with challenges and triumphs. In the Navy, he distinguished himself as resilient and determined, successfully navigating the Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL training's arduous Hellweek and seven months of training without ever quitting. His strength of character was evident, even when the journey took unexpected turns, and eventually provided him with the prestigious opportunity to undergo Naval Flight School as a pilot. He took part in Operation Enduring Freedom and various deployments across the Mediterranean, garnering commendation and respect from his superiors and colleagues. His journey is characterized by his relentless pursuit of knowledge and mastery in various fields. He has earned multiple FAA Pilot Licenses, a DOT Merchant Mariner Master Captain's License for up to 25-ton vessels, and a PADI Master Diver certification, reflecting his deep-seated passion for aviation and marine pursuits. Additionally, with over three decades of experience in emergency response, he holds certifications as a FLETC Certified Backcountry Law Enforcement Ranger, a USPA Certified Skydiver, a National Registry Certified EMT, a DOI Red Card Wildland Firefighter, an ICS Search And Rescue Coordinator, a FEMA SAR Manager, and many more. In the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, James displayed an exceptional sense of duty and service, taking emergency leave and contributing to the cleanup effort at Ground Zero under hazardous health conditions as the fires continued to burn. This round the clock voluntary effort was incredibly challenging, both physically and emotionally. The intensity of his disaster relief work further underscores his habit of showing up to help in times of crisis, both domestically and through international engagement. He has worked in 34 countries and traveled through more than 50 nations worldwide. Within the United States, he has devoted significant time and effort to supporting various LGBTQ, Hospice, and women's charities, and fundraising for women's shelters. His unwavering commitment to service and advocacy for gender equality came full circle when he was recognized as the first and only male recipient of the 'Women at Ground Zero Scholarship’. -Written by: Stephen Jacobsen, Humana-Global Corp 'Rapid Response Contractors Anytime, Anywhere'