Hi everyone!
I served in the Navy from 2009 to 2013. Although my service was short, I had great experiences that helped shape who I am today. I joined under an SO contract and went through three BUD/S classes before calling it. Although I didn't graduate, my experience with the community is cherished. I've made life-long friends, those who went on to the teams and those who went to the fleet alike. After my time on the beach was over, I served the rest of my time as a quartermaster assisting in navigation on the open ocean and as a Vessel Board Search and Seizure member (VBSS).
After my service, I received a plane ticket home. So, I did what any young man trying to forge his own path does. I tore up the ticket, slept on a buddies couch for the time being and enrolled in community college. I applied the discipline and attention to detail learned in the navy and became a studious student. Although I felt I was just doing the standard, my performance was viewed favorably when it came time to transfer to a 4-year college. Being the first person in my family to attend college, I was proud of being accepted and attending Columbia University.
After graduating, I worked in the city in finance for almost 10 years. At certain points in my life, I like to reflect on the actions that got me to where I am today and project where this path will lead. If I'm fortunate to live to a ripe-old age, would I be satisfied? Have I applied myself enough? Have I given all there was to give and left nothing on the table? I guess I didn't think so. So I went down to the Marine Corps recruiters office and spoke with an Officer Selection Officer (OSO). Pronounced oh-so, and I still cringe at that acronym. I digress.
After a long battle with BUMED and MEPS, I got the green light for military service once again and I was off to OCS. As of November, 2025, I graduated Marine Officer Candidate School and officially earned the title of Marine. I am currently working through the pipeline and look forward to the many challenges and experiences ahead. I strive to be a better person everyday in order to be a better mentor for the Marines that I will one day have the opportunity to lead.
I joined this community because I find it a breath of fresh air speaking with other vets and new service members. I look forward to getting to know this community better and sharing my experiences going forward.
I served in the Navy from 2009 to 2013. Although my service was short, I had great experiences that helped shape who I am today. I joined under an SO contract and went through three BUD/S classes before calling it. Although I didn't graduate, my experience with the community is cherished. I've made life-long friends, those who went on to the teams and those who went to the fleet alike. After my time on the beach was over, I served the rest of my time as a quartermaster assisting in navigation on the open ocean and as a Vessel Board Search and Seizure member (VBSS).
After my service, I received a plane ticket home. So, I did what any young man trying to forge his own path does. I tore up the ticket, slept on a buddies couch for the time being and enrolled in community college. I applied the discipline and attention to detail learned in the navy and became a studious student. Although I felt I was just doing the standard, my performance was viewed favorably when it came time to transfer to a 4-year college. Being the first person in my family to attend college, I was proud of being accepted and attending Columbia University.
After graduating, I worked in the city in finance for almost 10 years. At certain points in my life, I like to reflect on the actions that got me to where I am today and project where this path will lead. If I'm fortunate to live to a ripe-old age, would I be satisfied? Have I applied myself enough? Have I given all there was to give and left nothing on the table? I guess I didn't think so. So I went down to the Marine Corps recruiters office and spoke with an Officer Selection Officer (OSO). Pronounced oh-so, and I still cringe at that acronym. I digress.
After a long battle with BUMED and MEPS, I got the green light for military service once again and I was off to OCS. As of November, 2025, I graduated Marine Officer Candidate School and officially earned the title of Marine. I am currently working through the pipeline and look forward to the many challenges and experiences ahead. I strive to be a better person everyday in order to be a better mentor for the Marines that I will one day have the opportunity to lead.
I joined this community because I find it a breath of fresh air speaking with other vets and new service members. I look forward to getting to know this community better and sharing my experiences going forward.
