Jonathan\’s Story

My entrance into military service, though I did not know it at the time, began with high school athletics. Respect, honesty, teamwork and an understanding of the importance of and adherence to rules, were the key values I developed and that became the foundation of my military service. Honor, Respect, Devotion to Duty; these are the Core Values of the United States Coast Guard (USCG). It was these key values that helped develop a successful enlistment in the USCG.

Hard work and early completion of qualifications, led to increased responsibility at a very young age. Within six months of completion of boot camp, I had completed all shipboard qualifications. Within 12 months I had been named lead Seaman, was tasked with the supervision of a team of four, was trained as the ships surface rescue swimmer, and was given supervision of all shipboard life safety systems. Within 18 months I was the first Seaman in the history of that vessel to qualify as an Import Officer of the Deck, having rotating responsibility of a multi-million dollar government vessel at the age of 19. I later trained for a career in Finance and Administration with the USCG, serving 9 years before I was honorably discharged for a service connected injury. During my time in the USCG, I served in New York during and after the events of 9/11 and in Louisiana during and after the events of Hurricane Katrina. The USCG taught me effective leadership through events where I had to deal with highly stressful situations, think on my feet, make ethical decisions, and lead important projects.

Upon honorable separation from the USCG, I knew I wanted to continue in a career of finance and administration, and so decided to work towards earning my undergraduate degree. Six years later I am at the point in my career that without further education, open doors to further advancement are few.  I know the USFSP online MBA program will give me the opportunity to learn new skills while enhancing those already acquired through my military service.

I am rated as a 50% disabled veteran through the Veterans Administration, because of back and knee injuries from my time in service. Though these disabilities limit my ability to perform physical labor, they do not hinder my ability to work in an office, using the skills I have acquired through my education and military service. It is my goal to use this education and my experience to open my own CPA office; offering discounted and free services to other Veterans in need.

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