Nick Popaditch
Gunnery Sargent Nick Popaditch (b. 1967) is known as the "Cigar Marine" to the national media and "Gunny Pop" to his fellow Marines. April 9, 2003 Nick was photographed by the Associated Press riding during the fall of Baghdad on his M1A1 tank, smoking a cigar while Saddam Hussein's monument looms in the background. He was awarded the Silver Star for combat actions in Fallujah. Currently, Nick Popaditch is running as the Republican candidate on California's heavily Democratic 51st Congressional District, San Diego.
Early Life
Born in Terre Haute, Indiana to Duke and Dolores Popaditch, Nick was one of five siblings. He would graduate from Terre Haute North Vigo highschool. He attended a semester at Indiana State University before going to San Diego State University. Nick is married to his wife April and they have a teenage son. [1]
U.S. Marines
May 6, 1986 : Nick Popaditch arrives at the Receiving Barracks, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California.
April 18, 2004: In the Battle of Fallujah, Sgt. Poditch was wounded in the head by an exploding rocket-propelled grenade. He lost an eye and is deaf in one ear as the result.
Author
Popaditch writes a book “Once a Marine: An Iraq War Tank Commander’s Inspirational Memoir of Combat, Courage and Recovery.” The book is a tribute to sacrifices made, from fellow Marines in the midst of war to family at home. Also, his story was made into a movie.
2010 Election
As the Republican candidate, he seeks to ouster Democratic Representative Filner, first elected in 1992 and re-elected in 2008 with 73% of the vote. [2]