Why I serve

My motivation to serve and to continue serving in the military has been a blessing. Throughout my 19 years in the Army, the most important lessons I have learned are honesty and commitment. These lessons have shaped my character and have had lasting impacts on my life and family.

My decision to serve in the Army originated from the attacks on 9/11 and watching Operation ANACONDA unfold on television. I was so inspired seeing all those service members courageously fighting a war waged on America that I withdrew from college and enlisted. My family’s military service, especially that of my older sister in the Marine Corps and uncles who fought in the Vietnam and Korean Wars motivated me to do my part. Each of their service and contributions to the military encouraged me throughout training and going into my first combat deployment.

Throughout my initial years in the Army, a great platoon of Paratroopers, that offered incredible leadership and a wealth of knowledge welcomed me. The experience placed me back into an environment of teamwork and comradery that was reminiscent of sports and competition from my youth. My supervisors recognized my potential and strong interest in the Army and helped me establish a career path. I fully committed to the Army as a career.

I have been privileged to serve in great units, including the 75th Ranger Regiment and First Corps Headquarters. In each unit, I learned and garnered new experiences that developed and strengthened my character. Each position I held offered unique challenges and opportunities. I also developed a passion for teaching and making an impact on young adults.

Having the opportunity to be a Pre-Ranger Instructor, Platoon Sergeant, and First Sergeant cemented my ambition to teach high school after my Army career. It was rewarding teaching Ranger students and equally gratifying watching them graduate Ranger School. While serving as a Platoon Sergeant and company First Sergeant in 2nd Ranger Battalion, I pledged to lead and train these quality Soldiers throughout my tenure. This pedagogical and leadership experience gave me a profound sense of fulfillment and I look forward to applying similar principles and mental models in a classroom.

The most important lesson I learned is that commitment and honesty are essential to the people you work with and lead. Exercising both as an educator will naturally bring out the best moral standards, decisions, and behaviors in young students.