
Drago Dzieran
Drago Dzieran's journey from a political prisoner under Communist rule in Poland to a highly decorated U.S. Navy SEAL and successful entrepreneur exemplifies resilience and leadership. After enduring imprisonment for his opposition to communist oppression, Drago immigrated to the United States in 1984, became a citizen in 1991, and enlisted in the Navy the same year.
He successfully completed SEAL training with BUD/S class 185 and served in both SEAL Team 2 and SEAL Team 4, and later as a BUD/S instructor at the Naval Special Warfare Center. Drago's military service is marked by over a hundred combat missions across multiple deployments to Iraq, where he excelled as a NSW Lead Breacher. He developed innovative breaching techniques that minimized collateral damage and became standard protocol among the SEALs, significantly enhancing operational safety and effectiveness.
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During his deployment in 2005, Drago was assigned to the personal security detail for the Iraqi Prime Minister, demonstrating his capability in high-stakes environments. His military commendations include the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device for Valor, the Navy Commendation Medal with “V” Device for Valor, and the Army Commendation Medal. Drago was also honored with the highest military award a foreign service member can receive from the Polish Deputy Minister of Defense for his collaborative efforts with the Polish Special Forces (GROM).
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Following his honorable retirement after twenty years of service, Drago transitioned into technology, founding SOFTCOMTECH, a software company focused on innovative solutions. His extensive technical skills cover a broad spectrum of leading-edge tools, including C++, C#, .NET, .NET Core, ML.NET, DevOps, GitHub, and multiple versions of Visual Studio and SQL Server.
Additionally, Drago founded ConnectZing, a platform dedicated to safeguarding free speech without fear of censorship. His commitment to freedom of expression is reflected in his hands-on approach to building and maintaining the platform's infrastructure, ensuring privacy and security for its users.
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In 2009, Drago and his wife, Rachel, established the Navy SEALs Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Navy SEALs and their families, as well as Gold Star Families. The Fund, managed entirely by SEALs voluntarily, embodies Drago’s commitment to "leave no one behind," providing vital assistance to those affected by the hardships of service.
Drago Dzieran's life and career encapsulate the values of duty, innovation, and community support, making his story one of profound impact and enduring legacy.