Service, Learning, and Achievement
Life has a way of taking unexpected turns, and my own journey has been no exception. Growing up in a close-knit town in Virginia, I was fortunate to have a supportive family and a promising future.
After completing my B.S. in Communications, I decided to explore the world of sales. My adventurous spirit soon led me to join the military, where I served as an Infantry squad leader. That experience shaped my leadership skills and instilled in me a strong sense of discipline and commitment.
Building on my sales background and a second B.S. degree in Clinical Psychology, I became a military recruiter. During that time, I achieved the distinction of Master Recruiter and was honored with the prestigious Recruiter of the Year award.
I went on to serve as Recruiting Manager and subsequently as Operations Manager of the Exercises & Experimentation Division (J5/7) of the Joint Force Headquarters of Virginia where I was presented with the first ever awarded Joint Force Headquarters of Virginia Commendation Medal. The roles I performed during this period of service allowed me to apply my skills in dynamic and challenging environments.
Love, Loss, and Life’s Unexpected Turns
Life’s tragedies often strike when we least expect them.
I met Dana, the love of my life, during college. I affectionately called her my Sweet Pea, and we shared more than two decades of marriage. She was an extraordinary part of my life, and the memories we created together will always hold a special place in my heart.
However, fate had other plans. Within a short span of time, I tragically lost both my beloved wife and my mother.
These heartbreaking losses shook me and forced me to reevaluate my priorities. The life I had known suddenly looked very different, and I found myself reflecting on what truly mattered.
In the wake of these tragedies, I chose to take a strategic pause and consider the meaning of my life. As painful as these experiences were, they ultimately led me to recognize that another chapter was waiting to be written.
With courage and determination, I made the life-altering decision to leave my job, sell my possessions, and embrace a nomadic lifestyle.
Obtaining My MBA and Working in Finance
My thirst for knowledge continued after my military service. I pursued an MBA in Business & Finance and subsequently began working for the Federal Government. Four years after graduating from Southwestern College, I was humbled to be inducted into its Business Hall of Fame.
Finding a New Purpose Through Travel
My decision to start this blog is a testament to my adventurous spirit and my desire to share my story with others.
Through this platform, I hope to inspire those who have experienced their own tragedies, encouraging them to find strength, purpose, and renewal in the face of adversity. I believe our greatest challenges can sometimes serve as catalysts for our greatest achievements.
Travel has given me an opportunity to explore the world, discover new perspectives, and embrace experiences I might never have imagined during my earlier life. It has become part of a larger journey of reinvention and self-discovery.
I don’t believe that moving forward means forgetting the people we have lost. Dana and my mom will always be part of my story. Instead, I have chosen to honor their place in my life by continuing to live fully, seek new experiences, and appreciate the opportunities each day brings.
A Journey of Resilience, Hope, and Discovery
Life’s journey is unpredictable, and sometimes tragedy knocks on our door. Ultimately, however, it is how we respond to these challenges that helps define us.
We all possess a remarkable capacity for resilience. When awakened by life’s most difficult moments, that resilience can help us find a new direction, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.
Through reinvention, self-discovery, and a thirst for adventure, I have found a renewed sense of purpose and joy.
I have embarked on a new chapter – one shaped by resilience, hope, and growth. I carry the lessons of my past with me, embrace the experiences that continue to shape me, and find the courage to start anew.
And I have set myself an ambitious goal: to visit at least 100 countries in my lifetime.
This is more than a travel story. It is a story about loss, new beginnings, and discovering that even after life takes everything in an unexpected direction, there can still be a world of possibilities waiting beyond the horizon.