Erik Nounimi

Erik Nounimi graduated from the Dog Tag Inc. Fellowship Program in October 2015. He served as an Arabic linguist and cultural advisor to U.S Army combat and special operations units.  He served in Operation Iraq Freedom for over 6 years (2003-2009), working with 1st Cavalry, 3rd Infantry, 101st Airborne, and the 1st Infantry Division. He served with infantry, armor, cavalry, military police, and psychological operations units. He translated for General Ray Odierno (Chief of Staff of the Army), General John Campbell (former Commander US Forces- Afghanistan), and Lieutenant General Vincent Brooks (Commander, U.S. Pacific Command). Erik also served as cultural advisor to several documentaries on the war in Iraq and multiple news agencies, including The New York Times, U.S. News and World Report, USA Today, and Il Giorniale (Milan, Italy).  Erik holds an Associate of Science degree, achieving highest honors and an academic achievement award. Erik lived in Manhattan, Kansas for the last 5 years serving in an aircraft electronic components company as executive assistant to the CEO and later, manufacture production manager. He recently moved to the national capital region to participate in the DogTag Bakery veterans program.  He intends to couple his experiences in the service as a cultural advisor with his business education to serve in the public sector.