I am a 20 year veteran, working in the Coast Guard from 2005 to 2025. I joined for one purpose, because my mom said I had to... If I wanted to marry the woman of my dreams. 

 

My mother had instilled in me that men take responsibility for their choices. If I wanted to build a life with someone, I needed to earn it. So I did, dedicating two decades to service, always carrying her love with me through every deployment and challenge. 

 

Now I'm retiring and finally pursuing my real passion—filmmaking and photography. The best part? I'm still happily married to that same amazing woman from high school. Sometimes the long way around is worth it.