From humble beginnings as a farm boy in a small town, my early life was rooted in simplicity, hard work, and quiet perseverance. I was raised alongside a Vietnam veteran whose silent battles with the past taught me that some wounds are invisible, yet deeply impactful. His struggle became a mirror for understanding the long shadow of war and the strength it takes to carry on. Those formative years instilled in me a deep respect for sacrifice and a growing awareness that character is often shaped in silence, not in the spotlight. As I stepped into service, my path led me through combat deployments where every moment demanded courage and clarity. I took part in counterdrug operations that exposed the raw edges of society, and I stood amid the unrest of the LA Riots, witnessing firsthand the eruption of pain and injustice following the Rodney King incident. These experiences were not just events; they were crucibles that tested my resolve, sharpened my instincts, and deepened my understanding of humanity's complexities. Through each challenge, I learned to lean on faith when certainty was out of reach and to cultivate resilience in the face of chaos. These trials revealed that true strength isn't just physical, spiritual, emotional, and deeply personal. The journey has taught me that character isn't built in comfort; it's forged in adversity. And in embracing each hardship, I've come to understand the essence of growth: that every struggle carries the potential to shape us into something stronger, wiser, and more compassionate