My journey with the military began in my senior year of high school when I joined the Army National Guard. It was a decision driven by a desire to serve and to challenge myself in ways I hadn’t before. Upon graduation, I left home to undergo boot camp at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. The physical and mental rigor of boot camp was unlike anything I had experienced, but it prepared me for the road ahead.

After completing boot camp, I continued my training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where I specialized in my Advanced Individual Training. It was there I began to understand the significance of teamwork, leadership, and duty—not just to myself, but to those I served alongside. This marked the beginning of what would become 12 years of dedicated service.

In 2004, my life took a new direction when my unit was activated, and we were deployed to Iraq. Deployment was a test of endurance, both physically and emotionally, but it was also an opportunity to grow in unexpected ways. One of the most rewarding roles I had during my deployment was assisting in religious services. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, these services became a source of hope and strength, not only for me but for my fellow soldiers. I saw firsthand how encouragement and faith could uplift spirits during the toughest of times. 

For three years after returning home, I continued to serve, cherishing the camaraderie and sense of purpose that the military had instilled in me. In 2007, I made the difficult decision to separate from the military, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Today, I continue my service, but in a different way—as a Community Missions Coordinator and Chaplain in the Marketplace. In this role, I draw on the experiences and lessons I gained during my time in the military, using them to help others navigate their own challenges. Whether on the battlefield or in the community, my mission remains the same: to serve, support, and encourage others through the power of faith and perseverance.