Retired Specialist (US Army) Jeff Ward
A week after high school, Jeff Ward signed up for the Army. Overall, he spent two years with the Army and another six with the National Guard. Although the military offered many career paths, Jeff chose to follow his culinary passion. After serving in the Army mess hall, he continued to culinary school in New York. There, he received his associates degree. Next, it was off to apply his culinary talents in the Las Vegas casinos.
While working at the Treasure Island Hotel Casino, Jeff married his soulmate Inge. Together, they started a family and launched a golf cart business. After 15 years in Vegas, they decided to sell the business and move back to his roots in the Ozarks to raise his family.
Back in Missouri, his family started a decorative concrete business. Soon, he developed pain in his left leg. For months, doctors were trying to get to the bottom of the problem. Upon finishing the workday on May 20, 2016, Jeff went to the Emergency Room with excruciating pain in his leg. Immediately, they admitted him to the ICU of the hospital and celebrated his 48th Birthday there. The doctor diagnosed Jeff with an aneurysm behind his knee and loss of circulation to the rest of the limb. This resulted in an above the knee amputation. His Christianity carried him through all the surgeries and life-threatening situations. He was at peace knowing God was with him as his faith increased.
Jeff has always been an outdoor enthusiast. He enjoys hiking, hunting, rappelling and racing dirt bikes. Also, being a diver many years before this life changing event, he’s anxious to get back in the water. Jeff has always dreamed of diving the Caymans and can’t wait to get there!
His wife Inge will be his dive buddy. Linda Maune of DiVentures in Springfield, MO will be their trainers.
