Where my journey started:

We all have our fortes. Some people are created to save lives, run into burning buildings and run towards danger and emergencies, when everyone else is running from them. Some are created to teach. Some are created to heal. As for me, I was created to be an advocate.

My career has taken me from everything from the medical field, to a news anchor, sales and a business owner. Each role however, encompassed the same focus: My love for people. I am a woman who was put on this earth to make a difference. I was put here to make an impact and in 2017 I poured all my intentions into doing just that.What began as a journey of self-love through a group I called Living with Passion, evolved into a journey of self-discovery when I discovered the thing I was most passionate about was using my voice to give other’s their own.

I began interviewing people who were making a difference, either in their lives or the lives of others.There was one interview in particular though, that changed everything. I interviewed a marine turned police officer. His story was broadcasted during a time when we had begun to lose the post 9/11 love and support for our first responders and they were finding themselves on the side of hateful rhetoric and attacks. It was during that time that I truly understood the symbolism of the thin line that separates us from good and evil.

As my voice reached more and more people, it caught the attention of a team of sponsors who not only saw my vision, but saw the passion I had for telling these stories. My soul was set on fire and I had a clear vision of what I was being called to do. My sponsors have spent the last 4 years helping me build this platform. I owe a lifetime of gratitude to them. They helped re-align the trajectory of my mission and in doing so, helped changed the trajectory of my life. In collaboration with one another, we are ensuring that no story goes untold.

Looking back, it’s hard for me to believe that Behind it All began as a small online group and a few videos my friend had to force me to make. But that’s the beauty of success stories. They are not linear. They travel down winding roads, detours and often some stormy patches, but if you’re persistent enough and power through, you reach the point where you finally see your dreams come to fruition.

“Sometimes all it takes is a spark. Something very small. But the spark becomes a flame. And if that flame spreads, the power can be so overwhelming it transforms everything around it.” Be that spark. You too can make an impact.

Rank: Enlisted as a Private (E-1)….released from Active Duty as a Captain (O-3)

Branch: United States Army

What branch of service were you in?
United States Army – Infantry and Military Intelligence

In the picture that you are holding: where was this picture taken and when?
The picture I am holding with the double image of myself was taken in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam in 1970. In the other portion of the frame is my awards and decorations and the patched from the units I served with in Vietnam. The patch below the awards is the 196th Light Infantry Brigade where I served with Delta Company, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry. The blue patch with the stars represents the 23rd Infantry Division also known as the Americal Division and the patch with the sword in the middle was for the United States Army Vietnam (USARV) Headquarters

What made you join the military? When did you serve?
My impetus to serve was a result of the War in Vietnam and the desire to protect our Nation. I come from a patriotic family with 3 uncles serving in World War II including the Normandy invasion and a brother in law who served in the Korean War. I entered service on October 14, 1965 and was released from active duty on July 4, 1976. I served three additional years in the Army Reserves. My discharge date is August 31, 1979

Where all have you deployed?
I was deployed to the Republic of Vietnam from June, 1967 to June 1968 and again from August 1970 to August 1971. Additionally I was assigned temporary duty to Israel during the October war, 1973. While assigned to Forces Command at Fort McPherson, Georgia I traveled to the Republic of Panama as part of my responsibilities with the G-2 Section.

Name: Patrick Morgan AKA “Moose”
Branch: MOS: USMC / 0311 Rifleman

What made you join the military? When did you serve?
Let’s just say my 2.7 GPS and 5.0 40 yard dash didn’t get the college football recruiters to boot down my door. I liked Jesus, food, girls and adventure plus I wanted to play with guns and explosives. I knew one of those would be with me always and figured I’d come across all the other things as a Marine so off I went. In all seriousness, I also felt inspired and called to serve our country as a way of giving back. I served from 1999-2003.

Where all have you deployed?
Asia: Okinawa Japan, mainland Japan, Tinian, Philippines and Thailand. Mid-East: Kuwait and Iraq.

In the picture that you are holding: where was this picture taken and when?
The photo is of me Circa 2002.

What does it mean to serve others?
God. Others. Me. Service before self.

What should we do as a community to serve others?
Something I head in a sermon and has always stuck: See a hurt; heal it. See a need; meet it.

What are you grateful for?
My wife, who I met while serving as a Marine, and my kids (19, 16 and 11).

What do you miss about the military?
My brothers!

What do you like about being a part of something bigger than yourself?
It brings joy to respond to a calling.

How do we create a positive and successful future for our veterans and service organizations? 
Relay to all veterans, as they’re getting out of the service, to immediately find a new mission and not to isolate.

He is an inspiration for everyone he comes in contact with.

On November 15, 2006, Bradley and his crew were conducting a patrol to find terrorists responsible for the deaths of the replaced Army unit.

While traveling as part of a five-vehicle section, Bradley’s HMMWV was struck a deep-buried IED consisting of two anti-tank mines and multiple propane tanks. His vehicle was completely destroyed, leaving him severely injured, and three of his brothers were killed.

Bradley’s injury left him with an amputated right hand, multiple broken bones, severe T.B.I., severe internal intestinal injuries, and remained in a coma for six weeks.

Over the years, he has found solace in his time outdoors and has traveled across the nation. He is a man of strength and perseverance and a heart for others. Help me thank Bradley for his service!

Rank: SGT E5

Branch: Army

What made you join the military? When did you serve?

A friend of mine joined the national guard and that sparked my interest. My decision was solidified after the attack on our country on September 11th, I joined the Army in June of 2002 and fulfilled my 8-year obligation in March of 2010.

How many years did you serve your country and its people?
8 years

6 1/2 years active duty

1 1/2 years Army Reserve

In the picture that you are holding: when was this picture taken and where?

2006 Unit Photo; Taken in Schweinfurt Germany

Where all have you deployed?

Deployed to Iraq twice

OIF II in Balad and Samarra

OIF 06-08 in Ahdamiyah Baghdad

Why did you join the VFW?

During reintegration after my last deployment, My platoon Sgt suggested to the whole platoon that we should sign up to be life members at a booth that was set up. I knew I was going to be discharging from the Army soon and decided that it was a good time to do so.

What does the VFW mean to you?
Similar to the American Legion that I am affiliated with, an organization that encourages patriotism at local, state, and national levels.

What does it mean to serve others?
I look at it as a way to both provide others with help and support while promoting my own growth.

What are you grateful for?
My time in the military has provided me with a unique perspective to not only be grateful for the big things in life, like my faith and my family, and those that continue to serve our country, but also for the ordinary moments. The times when my family makes my heart full such as children reaching milestones or making me laugh.

What do you miss about the military?

Camaraderie. The team-oriented atmosphere. Working with someone that is willing to die for you and you for them.

What do you like about being a part of something bigger than yourself?

I believe it helps you grow to be a better person which helps others.

What is your favorite quote or quotes?

“For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

– Jeremiah 29:11

Rank: MSgt/E-7

Branch: Air Force

In the picture that you are holding: when was this picture taken and where?

I have three pictures in front of me; the first picture is the infamous basic training photo; the middle photo is officially called “final photo”. This picture was taken prior to me deploying to Afghanistan, I would have been the picture used if I had perished. The last picture is the day I retired.

How many years did you serve your country and its people?

I entered basic training 18 Nov 1991 and officially retired 1 Dec 2013. I served 22 years, 13 days in the United States Air Force.

What made you join the military? 

I joined the military on a whim. My girlfriend Jennie was getting ready to leave for college one afternoon in August of 1991. My mom, Jennie and I were standing around talking about her leaving. My mom looked and me and asked me what my plans were. I looked at her and replied, “Think I’ll join the Air Force”. The next morning, I went to Jenny’s house to say my goodbyes. After she pulled away, I drove to the nearest Air Force recruiting office. The first recruiter handed me a bunch of pamphlets and told me to come back when I was serious. I got in my car, drove to the nearest telephone booth that had a yellow page, looked up the next recruiting office, drove there, and next thing you know I had signed on the dotted line.

Where all have you deployed?

I served temporary duty to Italy, Qatar, Japan and have been deployed to Korea and Afghanistan.

What do you miss about the military?

There are several things I miss about the military; the exercises, the moving every 3 to 4 years, the balls and ceremonies but the number one thing I miss is the comradery and friendships that are built along the way.