I honorably served nearly 15 years in the United States Army and was discharged in December 2013. I was injured in the line of duty. Due to my injuries I am unable to pursue my past hobbies and have difficulties on a daily basis both physically and mentally.
I am currently working full-time in the same line of work that I was doing in the Army and I am indebted that I still get to make the changes and support others the same I did when I put on my uniform. As I have now transitioned from military to civilian lifestyle, the only changes are that I do not wear the military uniform or receive the benefits and support from the military but I still serve my country day in and day out tirelessly and humbly. I strive to remain in my current field as it affords me the honor of feeling that I still get to make the differences that I am able to. I work hand in hand daily with soldiers updating their shelters-technologies and systems that are used in combat. The degree I am pursuing is assisting me with the necessary job experience and technical skills that I need in order to successfully complete my missions.
I have gained an immeasurable appreciation for the freedom(s) that I, and my family have. I do not take what we have for granted in any capacity. I spent 12 of my nearly 15 years overseas-stationed in Germany, South Korea and having been deployed 4 times, I appreciate the time I now have to spend with my family. I deeply appreciate the lifestyle and citizenship that I have. I learned many invaluable lessons; I have become well-disciplined and humbled by my service. I see things differently than when I entered service; I have gained more patience and a deeper understanding of those around me, I think nothing of sacrificing for my family, my friends, my neighbors and my fellow Americans and work hard, being very determined at every single task I undertake. My family and I help continue to volunteer within our community at every opportunity we get. We have always kept our doors open to fellow soldiers both while stationed overseas and also stateside. We have hosted many a holiday to literally hundreds of soldiers who were away from their families while stationed overseas, we have provided home-cooked meals to dozens upon dozens of families whom were not fortunate enough to have their soldiers return home. We are sincerely grateful for our past abilities to have been a part of their lives and will continue to pay it forward in any way that we that we are now able to.
I follow in the foot-steps of my father and also my grandfather who served during Vietnam and WWII respectively regarding military service. I am the first one in my family attending college and hope to be able to complete my degree in 2017. I am currently working full time and attending school full-time while providing for my wife and two young daughters.
My family and friends are extremely supportive of my disabilities – now that I am differently abled, we take steps to spend time with each other in ways that we have to be open-minded of my physical limitations and pause, to formulate the best ways to overcome my hurdles-my mental struggles of what I have experienced during war time. I share what I am able to, what is appropriate and at times when I find the strength and will to do so. My experiences are just that, experiences and although they have shaped me into the man I am, they do not define me nor do I allow them to limit the way I now provide for my family. I am enduring, I am strong, I am dedicated, I am proud, I am loyal and I am a United States Army, disabled combat veteran.
I am grateful for this opportunity to share my experience.
