As I approach 15 years of service in the Army National Guard—seven years with the Florida Army National Guard and eight with the Alaska Army National Guard—and reflect on the 250th anniversary of our nation, I am filled with profound gratitude and renewed purpose. This Semiquincentennial marks more than a milestone; it celebrates a young republic that, in a remarkably short time, rose to become the most powerful and consequential nation in history. For those who wear the uniform, this celebration reminds us that we are stewards of a legacy built on sacrifice, innovation, and an enduring commitment to upholding and defending the Constitution of the United States, even at the cost of our own lives.
America’s ascent is extraordinary. From 13 colonies in 1776, the nation harnessed the principles of individual freedom, religious liberty, free enterprise, and the rule of law to become a global superpower in just 250 years. The United States military has been central to this rise, from the Continental Army’s perseverance in securing independence, to liberating the world from the Axis powers in World War II, to rolling back communist expansion during the Cold War. With each major conflict, America’s influence expanded, inspiring other nations to adopt similar governing principles and institutions that have made the U.S. the leader of the free world.
Today’s threats, however, are far more complex than those of the past. When I joined the Army National Guard back in 2011, they primarily centered on international terrorist cells scattered across the Middle East. Fast forward to 2026, and the threat environment has grown far more intricate. If the United States is to maintain its leadership of the free world, it must defend against and decisively defeat these evolving dangers through relentless innovation and adaptability.
I feel deeply privileged that my service has centered on preparing for these exact challenges. From my time as a crew operator on the nation’s ground-based homeland missile defense system with the 49th Missile Defense Battalion, to my current role in the 103rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD-CST), which supports civil agencies in responding to suspected WMD incidents. This responsibility strengthens my resolve and deepens my appreciation for those who wore the uniform before me, especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
My service, however, would not have been possible without the support I received while attending Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) as both a student and a Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadet. I am profoundly grateful to have attended a university that values our country’s history and actively fosters a culture of patriotism on its campus. My time there challenged me to think critically, serve others, and lead with purpose, qualities that continue to shape me throughout my military career.
As we mark 250 years, this celebration calls us to honor the past while boldly preparing for the future. The privilege of service is a sacred duty: to preserve what so many have built through tremendous sacrifice and to carry their legacy forward for the next 250 years.
Learn more about PBA’s ROTC program at https://www.pba.edu/academics/outcomes/articles/pba-academics/what-is-the-reserve-officer-training-corps-a-students-guide-to-rotc/.
