Erich Buljung was a career solider who was in the Army for over 25 years, often serving as a shooting instructor at Fort Benning, Georgia. Buljung served in Vietnam. Born in Yugoslavia, he graduated from Troy State University with a degree in criminal justice. Buljung competed at the 1984 and 1988 Olympics, in free pistol in 1984 and air pistol in 1988. He won 11 medals and 8 gold medals at the Pan American Games, competing in 1979, 1983, and 1987. He also competed in two World Championships, and has served as US National Pistol Coach.