The show follows the work of VETPAW (Veterans Empowered To Protect African Wildlife), a group of veterans that trains park rangers and reserve owners to prevent the poaching of elephants and rhinoceroses in Tanzania. Armstrong was as member of the VETPAW team during the filming of the program.
Armstrong served for six years in the U.S. Air Force in various capacities including as a Special Tactics Pararescueman, U.S. Special Operations Command medic, rescue specialist, and board certified flight paramedic. He completed four tours in Afghanistan, one on active duty and three as a military consultant, earning both a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star Medal with valor.
He earned an associate’s degree in business management from Butler County Community College and is currently enrolled in his senior year at Kaplan University, working toward a bachelor’s degree in environmental policy & management. Armstrong also holds an International Board of Specialty Certification (IBSC) and the Board for Critical Care Transport Paramedic Certification (BCCTPC) as a flight paramedic; and, a University of New Mexico Paramedic Certification.
Armstrong is currently president of Ambassadors of World Wildlife (www.ambassadorsofworldwildlife.org), which strives to assist people and improve their coexistence with local wildlife through education, training and charitable assistance.
For more information, visit http://vetpaw.org/ or www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/blood-ivory/.