Dr. Merritt’s distinguished 36-year career in the Oregon National Guard began as an enlisted soldier in an Infantry unit. His roles encompassed Infantry squad leader, company commander, and aide-de-camp to a General Officer. Notably, he contributed to disaster relief operations for hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

His deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq broadened his leadership experience, culminating in his current role as the senior ranking full-time officer at a military leadership academy. In addition to his military achievements, Dr. Merritt has authored five nonfiction books and begun his foray into fiction with the recent publication of two Directed Fiction novels.

Dr. Merritt earned a Master’s in Organizational Leadership in 2017, and a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership in 2021 from Regent University, specializing in Strategic Foresight.