Veterans Day Reflections: The Impact of Giving on My Life

I firmly believe that the richness of my life is directly proportional to my ability to give back to others. This belief is underpinned by an awareness of the significant responsibility bestowed upon me, a responsibility that is intricately woven into the fabric of my life and story. This sense of duty becomes especially poignant on Veterans Day, a time when I am reminded that effectively communicating a message of inspiration, motivation, and hope to those who need it most is one of the most meaningful contributions I can make to my fellow veterans.

It was both a privilege and a pleasure to deliver a virtual presentation to 400 dedicated patriots within the Third Coast Underwriters’ Veteran Employee Resource Network yesterday. My goal has always been to deliver speeches that not only capture but also merit the time and attention of my audience. The feedback I received from the organizer last night was incredibly affirming:

“Many comments mentioned it was the best presentation they have ever seen at our company… Your method of starting with the story of Bad Water and then delving into ‘how did I get here,’ complemented by your past experiences, was outstanding… Should you need a reference for any future engagements, it would be my honor to provide a testimonial.”

Striving for excellence is a constant goal in my endeavors, but on this occasion, I was fortunate to also do good. Today, I find myself en route to a remote location outside San Antonio, where I will be presenting to more veterans at the Band of Runners Camp. This remarkable organization champions trail and endurance running as a vital therapy for challenges such as suicide, PTSD, and substance abuse, among others.

While I cannot predict the future with absolute certainty, I have a strong sense that I will feel profoundly at home among fellow veterans who are runners, and individuals familiar with the rigor of resilience testing. It’s curious how certain ideas, even those encountered in memes, can deeply resonate with us. One such idea that has profoundly impacted me is the notion that the story of your struggle could someday serve as a blueprint for someone else’s survival.

Guided by this perspective, I view it as both an ethical imperative and a duty as a veteran to do everything within my power to ensure that no one is left behind. The oath I took is everlasting.

I am proud of my service and eternally grateful to all who have served and continue to serve in the United States military. From the mountain towns to the fishing villages, the suburbs to the cities, and from the farmlands to urban districts – your neighbors, your cousins, and even the person on the other side of the cubicle.

The most meaningful gift I can offer is my heartfelt thanks and the stories of our shared experiences. It may not seem like much, but it is the best I have to offer because you truly deserve it.

This November 11th, please join me in expressing gratitude for the courage and sacrifice of our nation’s finest, enabling us to live in what is truly the greatest place during the best time in human history.