Justin is a federal Counterintelligence (CI) Special Agent within the Defense Security Service (DSS), with over 12 years of experience within the U.S. intelligence community. His passion for exploration and adventure started while serving in the U.S. Army conducting CI investigations and operations throughout Europe and the Middle East. During this time, he was awarded the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary medal for being part of the U.S.’s initial invasion into Iraq in 2003.

In 2007, Justin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs. He has since been named one of the University of Georgia’s class of 2015 “40 Alumni Under the Age of 40” for lifetime achievement. He has been recognized with such accolades as Southern Region CI Special Agent of the year, National CI Executive CI team of the year, and the DSS Director’s Coin.

Justin is a lifelong SCUBA diver with experience in warzones, extreme environments, and global travel.

Follow Justin’s adventures on Instagram @justinshanken or Twitter @justinshanken