If someone were born the day I got blown up and escaped death (My Alive Day)- when my friend and mentor, SFC Mike Ottolini made the ultimate sacrifice… today he or she would be old enough to enlist in the Marines or serve our country in uniform in any Branch. I served in the Army… but today I celebrate the Marine Corps and the Privilege to be ALIVE!!!

It blows me away… I still remember it all, feel it all and can even smell it in the air as if it were yesterday. I’ve, fortunately, been able to transform the pain of it all into gratitude for what the experiences have taught me. It taught me that life is precious and the best gift we’ll ever receive. It taught me that I can do hard things… and be better for it. It taught me that if I’m offended at something or someone, that it’s my problem to fix, not theirs. It’s taught me to be kind and to not be afraid to show or express love to people, especially the brothers and sisters I’ve had the pleasure to serve with, once upon a time…

So, cheers to all of my Marine brothers & sisters out there and cheers to LIFE, may we all use our time here in ways that we’ll be proud for our children to see. ...