Van served in the United States Air Force from 1989 to 2011.  He is a veteran of Operations Desert Shield/Storm and Southern Watch, and the recipient of the Joint Service Commendation Medal w/1 oak leaf cluster,  Air Force Commendation Medal w/3 oak leaf clusters,  Joint Service Achievement Medal,  Air Force Achievement Medal,  Army Achievement Medal,  National Defense Medal,  Korean Service Medal,  Southwest Asia Service Medal w/2 service stars,  Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/1 service star,  Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,  Humanitarian Service Medal,  NATO Medal,  Kuwait Liberation Medal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,  and the Kuwait Liberation Medal of Kuwait.