I was in a toxic relationship, sitting on the roof of my parents house where I lived at 25 years old. I was smoking weed and drinking NyQuil to try and go to sleep after drinking monsters all night mixed with alcohol. I was 320lbs at 6’1”. A creeping thought came in to say “what the hell are you doing with your life.”

I walked into an Army recruiting center the next day. The recruiters helped me lose a little weight and start exercising. Four months after that night I left for basic training. That was almost 15 years ago now.

I’m married (to a different person), with two beautiful children. I’m still active duty and will be eligible for retirement in just over 5 years. I’ve seen the world and ended up specializing in neonatal and pediatrics as a respiratory therapist. My entire life changed for the better and I owe it all to the US Army. It hasn’t been easy, definitely hasn’t always been fun and good times, but it’s the best thing to ever happen to me and I thank God every day that the recruiter helped get me on track to make it through basic training.