Northern Connection magazine is proud to salute the men and women from the North Hills area who are serving in the military.

March 2008: Randy Schwartzbauer Retired Master Sergeant, US Army

By Paula Green

Randy Schwartzbauer spent 23 years serving his country as a member of the United States Army.  He was raised in McCandless Township and went into the service after his graduation from North Allegheny High School in 1978.  He is a retired Master Sergeant, who has led a rewarding and fulfilling military career.  During his Army days, he served in the Airborne, and was a ranger, paratrooper, drill sergeant and was even a member of the elite Special Forces Unit.

Schwartzbauer has been stationed at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina.  He has served in Operation Dessert Storm.  He also spent time, as a wrestler in the Army.

Although he is officially retired, the military is still very much in his blood.  Schwartzbauer currently is a private contractor stationed in Iraq.  He is employed by Triple Canopy which is a protection and security service.  He is body guard, otherwise known as a “bully catcher.”

“Randy knows that he could be working a desk job where he would be home with his family.  The reason he chose this particular career path is he feels like what he does makes a difference.  He is very committed to doing the right thing,” said Randy’s wife, Heather. 

Schwartzbauer has been a private contractor for the past five years.  A contract usually last for about one year.  He has to undergo diligent, special training every time he starts a new assignment.

The first year Schwartzbauer was sent to Kuwait.  He has also worked other contractual assignments in Iraq.  He recently taught closed quarters combat to Iraqi troops.  “Sometimes the living conditions are pretty dismal and he works a dangerous job, but he goes where he is needed,” Heather said.

Schwartzbauer has three children – John Michael, Natalie and Randy Jr.  He also has four stepchildren – Kaylah, Korey, Maddison and Micah.  He and Heather married two years ago at a quaint ceremony at the Stone Mansion in Wexford.  They reside in McCandless Township.

Northern Connection magazine salutes Master Sergeant Randy Schwartzbauer for his commitment and dedication in serving his country. 

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