Nicholas Allen Popaditch was born on July 2,1967 and is a medically retired United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who gained fame as the "Cigar Marine", recipient of the Silver Star and Purple Heart.
14 Facts About Nick Popaditch
2.
Nick Popaditch ran unsuccessfully as the 2010 Republican candidate for California's 51st congressional district, losing to incumbent Democrat Bob Filner.
3.
Nick Popaditch ran again in 2012 in the 53rd congressional district, losing to incumbent Democrat Susan Davis.
4.
Nick Popaditch was born in East Chicago, Indiana and was raised in Terre Haute, Indiana.
5.
Nick Popaditch enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1986, served as a tank commander, and eventually rose to the rank of gunnery sergeant.
6.
Nick Popaditch saw action in the first Gulf War in 1991 and was honorably discharged in 1992.
7.
Nick Popaditch would later reveal that his smoking was a celebration of his and his wife's twelfth wedding anniversary as well as victory.
8.
Nick Popaditch was wounded in action in an ambush when a rocket propelled grenade struck him in the head.
9.
In 2012, Nick Popaditch was residing in Chula Vista, and was married, and has two sons.
10.
In 2013, Nick Popaditch authored a 178-page book The Ultimate Marine Recruit Training Guidebook, a book for potential Marine recruits.
11.
In 2014, Nick Popaditch was studying to become a math teacher.
12.
On November 10,2009, Nick Popaditch announced his campaign for California's 51st congressional district as a Republican.
13.
In January 2012, Nick Popaditch announced his intention to seek the congressional seat in the newly redistricted 53rd Congressional District against incumbent Democrat Susan Davis.
14.
Nick Popaditch led his tank section several blocks into the city, drawing enemy fire away from the beleaguered Marines.