serviceyears branch birth_place allegiance unit party awards birth_date rank birthname article_title name alma_mater
2005 -- 2013 united states army muncie , indiana united states 2-1 `` deuce four '' infantry 172nd sbct / 1-24 infantry 1-25 sbct republican army clusters -rrb- army achievement medal -lrb- 3 oak leaf clusters commendation -rrb- army good conduct medal -lrb- 2 -rrb- iraq campaign medal medal -lrb- 4 campaign stars -rrb- national defense service medal -lrb- armed forces expeditionary medal army overseas service ribbon -lrb- 4 v-device -rrb- combat infantryman badge & 3 oak leaf 6 june 1986 staff sergeant zachary paul mcilwain zach mcilwain
 zach mcilwain ball state university
zach mcilwain

zachary paul mcilwain -lrb- born june 6 , 1986 -rrb- is a national veteran advocate , congressional advisor , and veteran of the united states army and the iraq war .
mcilwain has made multiple appearances on national television and other national media sources as an advocate trying to raise awareness on the issues currently facing veterans .
he currently works with iraq and afghanistan veterans of america , members of congress , and other veteran and military service organizations focused on military and veteran affairs .
