Military Service
Rooted in Service: A Legacy Carried Forward
I come from a strong military lineage—woven through both my biological and adopted families. Service to our nation is not just a tradition—it is part of my bloodline. I grew up surrounded by the examples of men and women who gave their strength, their time, and sometimes their lives to protect our freedom. Through them, I learned what it truly means to serve something greater than oneself. The values of honor, duty, and sacrifice became the bedrock of my character.
Following in those footsteps, I proudly served in the United States Army, deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Those deployments brought moments that tested my strength, sharpened my leadership, and demanded everything I had. I witnessed the true cost of freedom—not in words, but in the lives of brothers and sisters who stood beside me. Some never returned home. Their memory remains with me, every single day. Their courage, their sacrifice, is the fuel behind my continued dedication to serve.
Combat was not just duty—it was honor.
It gave me a perspective that only those who have worn the uniform in battle can understand. When injuries sustained during my final deployment led to my medical retirement, I refused to let my service end there. I became a National Service Officer for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), where I helped fellow veterans fight for the benefits they earned—especially those who had been denied. I appealed claims, trained others, and ensured no veteran was left behind. That mission remains deeply personal to me.
To this day, I remain a lifetime member of both the DAV and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), committed to supporting those who served with integrity and purpose. These organizations stand as pillars for our veteran community—and I stand with them.
Beyond the uniform, my life has continued in service—through leadership roles, fatherhood, and community work. The discipline and resilience I developed in combat now shape every area of my life. I understand pressure. I understand commitment. And I understand the importance of carrying responsibility for others on your back, even when the weight feels heavy.
My journey—from a child raised in a home of service, to a soldier, to an advocate—has always been about dedication, not recognition. Perseverance, not praise. I’m proud of where I’ve come from. And I carry that pride forward—not for my own sake, but so others may know the road has been walked before them, and they are not alone.
Together, we honor the past.
Together, we support the present.
And together, we plant the seeds for a future worthy of those who sacrificed everything.
Naval Junior
Reserve Officer Training Corps
Student Commander (LCDR)
I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the National Sojourners Medal, an award that represents the highest values of patriotism, leadership, and dedication to service. This recognition is not just a reflection of my individual efforts, but a testament to the unwavering support and inspiration I’ve received from my instructors, mentors, and peers throughout my JROTC journey.
Being a part of JROTC has taught me the importance of duty, integrity, and commitment, values that align with the mission of the National Sojourners to foster patriotism and dedication to our great nation. I am proud to stand among those who believe in upholding the ideals upon which this country was founded, and I am committed to carrying forward the responsibilities that come with this honor.
"Receiving this medal is not just a personal achievement, but a reminder of the greater responsibility we all have to serve our country with honor, to lead with integrity, and to inspire those who follow in our footsteps."
Leadership as a Way of Life
Leadership has never been a title for me—
it’s been a way of life, shaped through years of experience, personal growth, and service in every season of my journey.
From an early age, I gravitated toward environments that demanded responsibility, integrity, and collaboration. Whether through Boy Scouts, competitive athletics, or community involvement, I learned that leadership begins with showing up—prepared, accountable, and focused on the greater good. Those formative years laid the groundwork for everything that followed.
I gained early exposure to command structure and team dynamics through organized leadership programs and service-based organizations. These experiences taught me the importance of understanding systems, earning trust, and aligning individual efforts with a shared mission. I began to internalize that true leadership is less about control and more about consistency—being the one others can count on when it matters.
That foundation would later be tested and refined in real-world environments—first in high-pressure academic and pre-military programs, and later in professional and operational roles where decisions carried real consequences. With each phase, I developed a deeper understanding of what it takes to lead under pressure, adapt in dynamic conditions, and model the values you expect from others.
In every sector I’ve served—public, private, or nonprofit—I’ve applied the same principles: lead by example, protect your people, and keep the mission clear. Strategic planning, team building, crisis management, and advocacy have all become natural extensions of a leadership ethic that prioritizes service over status.
What I’ve learned along the way is simple but unwavering: leadership is not a destination. It’s a daily practice. It’s the quiet discipline of doing what’s right when no one is watching, and the strength to stand firm when it would be easier to look away.
That’s the kind of leadership I carry forward—steady, purpose-driven, and rooted in the belief that the measure of a leader is found not in how loudly they speak, but in how faithfully they serve.
