Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Third Generation Veteran Pursues Medical Career: Daniel Mortenson

November 9, 2023

Daniel Mortenson, second-year COM student, served in the U.S. Air Force for four years, serving in Acquisitions, ultimately achieving the rank of Captain.

Mortenson comes from a family of military service and is a third-generation veteran. Both of his grandfathers served in WWII – one in the Navy and one in the Army – and his father served in the Army. He also has four siblings who have served or are currently serving in the military. His older brother went to the Air Force Academy, which piqued Mortenson’s interest.

“I chose to join the Air Force because it seemed like the most exciting branch to join since there is a lot of advanced technology being developed in the Air Force,” said Mortenson.

Mortenson served during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. During his time in the military, he was stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, where one of his greatest accomplishments was being a Deputy Launch Mission Manager for the NROL-65 (National Reconnaissance Office Launch) satellite launch in 2013. He helped coordinate the delivery and assembly of the launch vehicle, a Delta IV Heavy Lift Vehicle made by Boeing. He conducted the Launch Countdown Rehearsals and Safety Rehearsals with Western Range Units.

“Launch day was exciting and a big relief to see liftoff proceed without any problems,” recalls Mortenson.

He earned several awards during his service, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Training Ribbon, and Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon.

Originally from Wisconsin, Mortenson met his wife of 14 years in Dallas and moved to Fresno in 2013, where they live with their five children. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.

Related Posts