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Eric Bourquin to discuss leadership of veterans

Eric Bourquin

JAMESTOWN – The Robert H. Jackson Center, a non-profit dedicated to promoting liberty under law through the examination of the life and work of Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson and its relevance to current events and issues, is pleased to welcome retired U.S. Army Platoon Sergeant Eric Bourquin, whose life story is part of the National Geographic Channel’s global event miniseries “The Long Road Home,” to the Robert H. Jackson Center on Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public. It will be held at the Robert H. Jackson Center, 305 E. Fourth St., Jamestown. Robert H. Jackson Center Executive Director Thomas Schmidt made the announcement.

Sgt. Bourquin completed three combat tours, one in Afghanistan and two in Iraq. On April 4, 2004, his platoon was ambushed in Sadr City, Iraq. The deadly battle came to be known as “Black Sunday.” The National Geographic Channel’s global event miniseries “The Long Road Home,” recounts the Black Sunday battle, and is based on the New York Times-bestselling book by ABC news correspondent Martha Raddatz. Sgt. Bourquin served as a military technical adviser for the series.

Jackson Center co-founder Gregory Peterson will interview Sgt. Bourquin at 6 p.m. in the Cappa Theatre of the Jackson Center to share his expertise in leadership by delivering thoughtful and tested theories learned and developed over his military career. He is an experienced leader capable of inspiring others by sharing his experiences in life, combat and overcoming obstacles.

Sgt. Bourquin grew up in central Texas and enlisted in the Army in 1998. He trained as an infantryman and underwent advanced individual training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He later served in the 1st Cavalry Division and 1st Infantry Division in various leadership positions. Following 15 years of service, Sgt. Bourquin retired in 2013 and devotes his time to his wife, Leslie, and their four children. He is also focusing on his own healing and helping other veterans heal, while at the same time enjoying new experiences outside of the military.

Sgt. Bourquin believes, “My experiences on the battlefield have taught me valuable lessons in leadership and my experiences and struggles in readjusting to civilian life continue to teach me lessons in the importance of leaning on the strength of others to build and share your own struggles.” The program was made possible by Jackson Center donors, and the PFCd Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer to Peer Program grant from the Chautauqua County Department of Veterans Services.

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