Few experiences test the human spirit as profoundly as sudden, life-altering trauma. For me, it was a gunshot wound during a nighttime mission that ended my military career but began a journey of post-traumatic growth. That moment forced me to redefine service, identity, and purpose.

Many imagine life ends when tragedy strikes. Mine began again.

I was born and raised in Cleveland in a family defined by service. My grandfather was a Naval aviator in World War II, and my father served as a Marine. With that legacy, my path felt clear. I applied only to The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, and was selected as Regimental Commander, chosen to lead more than 2,200 cadets. That experience strengthened my desire to follow in my family’s footsteps and inspired me to lead Marines.

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