When I started my service year I was lost. I was a lost warrior, a United States Marine fighting a battle I didn’t understand. It’s so funny to think about now, because of how the story turned out. But anyways it is always good to start from the beginning. That is where this story begins. 

To begin, after my time in active service, I would have never thought of giving back to the community. I understood the sacrifices my brothers and sisters in service made, but the general American public, no way they never knew hardships, they didn’t know the trials of wars, they could never understand true suffering. After an education through both formal channels and experience I couldn’t be more wrong. 

I came into my service after being constantly triggered through my PTSD from my time in war. Hell, I have known these diagnoses for years but because of a bottom line and help from others I never had to deal with them. I am only finally having to deal with the aftermath of that; as a purple heart recipient and constantly having to prove what I did. By the way if a veteran has a purple heart it means they were in combat. 

To move forward, after months of hard work and help from peers, nonprofits, and people I trust, I find myself here. Here being a complete 180 on my life, ready and willing to help more veterans, understanding that people in the U.S are still starving, and fighting the good fight.

This is the Warrior’s way. A warrior sacrifices everything that they are in order for others to thrive. When warriors return home they only want to guide others to not pursue war and to find peace. I think after my year of service I have found my peace and I have found a way to help others not pursue war.