If I’ve learned one thing over a 22-year career as a Marine, it’s that people make all the difference. Strong leaders make strong men. Strong men do what is right. Always. In fact, it is that very allegiance

to always doing what is right that is symbolized in the Marine Corps’ motto: Semper Fidelis – Always Faithful. Leadership and Safety are therefore in lock-step with one another.

I retired as a Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9). My primary job was in command, control, and communications. I’ve had hundreds of hours in operating radio transmission devices, from HF (high

frequency) and UHF LOS (ultra-high frequency/ line-of-sight) to satellite communications. I have controlled aircraft in support of ground combat operations throughout the globe including 4 combat deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. 

I was designated as a Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) in 2010. I was responsible for the development of Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and conducted dozens of tactical and operational risk assessment plans at home and abroad. I served 3 years as a safety officer in 29 Palms CA and was authorized as OSHA Outreach Trainer through the University of California San Diego in 2021.