A.J. was born May 4, 1982 in Belle Fourche, SD. After graduating high school in 2000, A.J. enlisted in the U.S. Army where he honorably served until June 21, 2007. He was a Team Leader in the 2nd Platoon in Charlie Company 4-14 Calvary, 172 Striker Brigade Combat team. A.J. completed a deployment to Afghanistan and two deployments to Iraq before being honorably discharged and settling in Great Falls. His hobbies were playing pool, poker, and video games with his son. He also liked cooking for friends and family. Family was the most important thing to A.J, including his Military brothers. A.J. lost his battle with PTS on April 28, 2015 at the age of 32.