Where I am from.

I grew up in small town USA, Goodland Kansas to be exact. It is a thriving metropolis of about 3000 people counting one coon dog. I am the oldest of 5 children (4 boys and 1 girl). Growing up in Goodland with my last name, I only had 2 choices. I was destined to be an athlete, farmer or both. It did not take long for me to decide I did not want to be a farmer. To make sure that I got as far away from the farm as possible I joined the USMC at 17. The Corps was one of the greatest decisions I have ever made. I spent the first 12 years of my adult life as an active duty Marine. My first duty station after graduating from boot camp and the school of infantry was 8^th and I in Washington D.C., at the white house. Talk about a culture shock, the closest big city to Goodland was 250 miles away. I learned a lot during this time. I also made a lot of mistakes, but thankfully was able to overcome them. Over the next 10 years after leaving 8^th and I. I was able to drink a beer in 26 different countries and 43 states. I served 3 different combat tours, 1 luxury tour, and watched a Filipino band (that didn’t speak English) sing Sweet Home Alabama in Japan. My bucket list at 18 got a lot crossed off, thanks to my time in the Marine Corps. There are also some things that got added to it because of the Corps as well. I lost some friends and family, and gained some new friends and family. I had the highest highs and the lowest lows, but I would do it again in an instant.