James Wusterbarth

James Wusterbarth, currently thriving as an independent contractor in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, encapsulates a life lived with enthusiasm, dedication, and a pursuit of diversity in skills and experiences. From his early days in the U.S. Navy to his impactful work as an international contractor, his story is extraordinary.

‍Embarking on a Life of Service and Learning
‍Born in the scenic landscapes of Heidelberg, Germany, his life journey has been anything but ordinary. His postgraduate journey commenced in Washington, D.C., at the Center for Counterterrorism Studies, laying the foundation for a future of service and fearless commitment. His decision to join the U.S. Navy as an officer began a profound journey of resilience and dedication.

‍Dedication in the U.S. Navy
‍His naval career is punctuated with sheer determination, exceptional leadership, and unwavering grit. He was the only officer in his class at Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL Training to successfully complete Hellweek without losing a single member of his boat crew. Through seven months of training, James never backed down and never quit, a testament to his mental and physical fortitude. Though his path didn't lead him to the Naval Special Warfare Community as he had planned, his leadership and intense tenacity did not go unnoticed. The Navy presented him with the rare opportunity to undergo pilot training in the Naval Aviation Community. James was deployed all across the Mediterranean and took part in both Operation Allied Force and Operation Enduring Freedom. His service in the Navy was characterized by numerous commendations from superiors and colleagues, a testament to his exemplary leadership and dedication as an officer.

‍A Continuous Journey of Learning and Growth
‍After James earned his Honorable Discharge, his passion for aviation and marine activities continued through his acquisition of multiple FAA Pilot Licenses, a DOT Merchant Mariner Master Captain's License, and a PADI Master Diver certification. His extensive experience spanning over 35 years as an emergency responder further underscores his commitment to service. James Wusterbarth holds numerous certifications, including FLETC Certified Law Enforcement Ranger, National Ski Patrol, Ocean Lifeguard, Wildland Firefighter with a USPA Skydiving Certification, and FEMA SAR Manager.
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In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, his profound sense of duty came to the forefront as he drove through the night to New York City, contributing to the cleanup at Ground Zero. His global footprint is impressive, having worked in 34 countries and traversed more than 50, all while maintaining a deep commitment to service and community engagement.

‍Philanthropy and Advocacy: A Lifelong Commitment
‍His charitable nature is evident through his thousands of hours of volunteer work within the United States, particularly with LGBTQ, Hospice, and women's charities. His years of fundraising efforts for women's shelters were noticed, and led to James being selected by the all female board to receive the prestigious ‘Women at Ground Zero Scholarship,' a truly unique honor, since he was the first and only male ever to win the award. This accolade reflects his years of consistent efforts to create a more equitable and supportive society.

‍Educator, Broadcaster, and Health Advocate
James has completed an array of varied degrees and accreditations from Cambridge University UK, the London School of Economics, the University of Redlands, and Harvard Medical School. His passion for education and deep understanding of the human body found an outlet teaching at Johns Hopkins Medical School, where he spent two years shaping the minds of future medical professionals. His ability to communicate complex health and fitness concepts was further highlighted during his tenure as the FOX5 On-Air Health, Fitness, and Nutrition Editor, reaching an audience of over 200,000 daily viewers.

‍Unyielding Advocacy Through Law Enforcement and International Engagements
‍In the face of personal tragedy due to gun violence, James Wusterbarth redirected his efforts toward federal law enforcement, contributing significantly to the fight against violent crime across the United States. His work took him from tackling white supremacist groups and street gangs to combating wildlife poaching in Arctic Alaska and maritime cartel smuggling late at night in the Florida Keys.

His adventurous spirit eventually led him back to international terrains, including the Eastern Congo and along the troubled border regions of Syria, the Ukraine, and the North Korean DMZ. Currently residing on the shores of the Persian Gulf as an Independent Contractor, he continues to employ his vast experience where it is most crucial.

‍Refugee Support: A Passion Kindled in Childhood
‍James Wusterbarth’s commitment to helping refugees traces back to his early childhood. When his father worked on refugee settlement projects, he often brought along young James to welcome and play with the traumatized child refugees. Many of these children had recently been made orphans. Some were even forced to watch their parents being slaughtered during the Cambodian Genocide. It’s hard to hear that, but it is important to understand who James is today.

He will never forget his childhood, playing with all those little wide-eyed and sometimes challenging children in the 1970’s and early 1980’s. Especially years later as he grew to better understand the true horrors and trauma of what they had been through as child refugee genocide survivors. This left a lasting impression, sparking a lifelong passion for refugee support. It goes a long way to understanding James Wusterbarth’s empathy and lifelong commitment to humanitarian causes and all levels of emergency response, service, education, and making a positive impact wherever he goes in the world.

‍A Life Balanced Between Professional and Personal Commitments
‍His life reflects a profound commitment to family, health, fitness, and overall well-being outside his professional pursuits. His active role in raising four happy, healthy children underscores his values and priorities, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling life.

‍A Legacy of Service, Learning, and Commitment
‍His life story is a riveting narrative of service, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. His diverse career, marked by excellence and a deep-seated desire to contribute positively to the world, is an exemplary personification of a well-lived life. James Wusterbarth's philanthropic endeavors, educational pursuits, and professional commitments reflect his unwavering belief in the power of service and the importance of making a lasting impact.

His leadership, optimism, charitable work, and dedication to continuous learning showcase a life dedicated to bettering himself and the world around him. He is a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that personal growth, adventure, and service can coexist harmoniously.

James's journey through life has been nothing short of inspiring. His decades of dedication to people in need, his unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and fearless commitment to making a positive difference have forged a path filled with diverse experiences and significant achievements. As he continues to navigate this path, his life stands as a compelling reminder that with passion, optimism, grit, and a commitment to service, one can lead a life that is fulfilling and has a profound impact on the world.

"Dedicated to continuous learning, his post graduate knowledge in Integrative and Clinical Nutrition Sciences was expanded through Harvard Medical School, where he successfully earned his accreditation."

Read More from Wusterbarth: Office of Personnel Management

-Written by: Stephen Jacobsen, Humana-Global Corp
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