From as early as I can remember, my parents insisted my brothers and I would become one of the two. I served in both the Navy and later the Army, spanning over 30 years of my life. The military was more than service — it framed the seasons of my life. Hard work, education, family, and responsibility guided me. From cotton fields in Texas to operating rooms around the world, I have lived a life defined by dedication, perseverance, and connection.