250th Thought

To be human and to be a military member is too often extracted from one another as if they are not entirely one. What makes us decide to enter a life of service is exactly what shines most of our humanity, it is striving for better. In the beginning it may be shallow in depth with its form being to be better in self, but overtime the drive for service becomes deeper in wanting to do better and make better for others. George Washington once stated “..the consideration that human happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected, will always continue to prompt me to promote the progress of the former, by inculcating the practice of the latter.” My own journey started as such, as I am sure many others can align with being an 18 year old enlisting in the armed services, I needed to be better. Much like most lineages within these United States and all of those who have answered the call to military service, the wayward life of youth is swiftly course corrected with purpose; that human happiness & moral duty. Some of us come from a legacy family strong in military service traditions, and then there are those of us that are born from necessity. Much like the very roots that established our nation, George Washington too was born of necessity that grew into a charge that became a revolutionary mission that would change not only his life but innumerable others. I am a firm believer that one’s military service provides a catalyst for the potential to evolve the rest of your life while positively impacting those around you. I served in the United States Marine Corps creating a life that changed the world for me and those of whom I had the privilege of serving with and operating around. I embarked on groundbreaking initiatives in active war, and came out better from the forged hardships that did not come with a mapped out plan of action, but a resolute mission to which we were dedicated body and soul. The Grand Experiment that is America is ever evolving just as you are, the only question is how will you be contributing to that life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness?

USMC Veteran, FET 10-2 OEF