For me, there is no greater site than the United States flag hung high and waving proudly against a clear blue sky.

I believe in this great nation and I believe in the people who built this country from their blood, sweat and tears.  Today approximately 2.3 million men and women serve in the US Armed Forces in over 130 countries.  THANK YOU!

My life took an interesting direction at the age of 3.  My mother was remarried to a man who was active duty and served the United States Air Force while my father went on to join the United States Marine Corps.  Both men coming from low-income families in the South, escaped their destiny by joining the Armed Forces.  The same way that many young people turn to them today; to escape poverty, seek an education, a skill, a brotherhood.  My father served this country for 22 years, he retired as a GySgt (Gunnery Sergeant) after being a reconnaissance specialist, jump master and recruiter.  My step father retired as a MSgt (Master Sergeant) after giving 20 years of his life to this country.

At the very young age of five, we received orders to relocate to Spangdalhem AFB which is located in West Germany.  During the next five years, many of my core beliefs, principles and values would be formed.  I didn’t understand until much later in life the importance of many things which I was taught…including preparedness, cleanliness and order, the value of a chain of command and respecting that chain of command, sacrifice and maybe most importantly….respect.

There are many challenges that come with being a “military brat”, but they go hand in hand with amazing experiences which most kids don’t have.  I was blessed to be able to live in Europe; granted, I was very young but I still have vivid memories of this time.  My family would often take road trips to site see.  I remember visiting numerous military cemeteries across Europe, a stark reminder of the ultimate sacrifice which many service men and women make.

I believe that one of the greatest ways to honor fallen soldiers is to honor our country’s constitution.  After all, they gave their lives fighting for the freedom of strangers, defending our rights and securing the Blessings of Liberty.

After high school I was offered the opportunity to test into an Officers program with the Marine Corps.  My father was still enlisted at the time and was encouraging me to define structure for my life through a career in the military.  I wasn’t completely sold on the idea, but I wasn’t opposed to it either.  I trained for two months leading up to the entry tests but a few weeks before, I sprained my ankle while out on a run.  I was disappointed at the time but figured, it must not have been for me.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve often questioned whether or not I should have taken a different path.  Luckily, in my career, I get the chance to improve lives by helping individuals secure their own future.  I work in an industry that provides opportunity, promotes healthy capitalism and when done right challenges individuals to personal growth.