The Only Thing That’s Ever Made Sense To Me

Service is the foundation of who I am. It’s not a chapter in my life or a box I checked off to get to the next rung. It’s the throughline of my life.

I lost my father when I was 3, felt handcuffs on my wrists by 11, and, a few weeks before my 13th birthday, my mom sent me to a military academy. At a time when nothing about the world made sense to me, service did.

I first raised my hand to serve this country when I was 17 years old. I wanted to join the military. And I was so young at the time that my mother had to sign the paperwork for me.

Later, in 2005, when military recruitment in this country was plummeting, I volunteered to deploy as part of the 82nd Airborne Division to go to Afghanistan. One of the most dangerous places on Earth.

My commanders praised the work we did. My fellow service members stood beside me. The United States Army recognized my service. I came home proud, and I kept choosing service.

I’ve never raised my hand because it was expected of me. Or because it was an easy pathway. Or because anyone told me to do it. I’ve always done it because I believe in this country and its promise. And I’ll never waver in that belief.

Partisan political operatives have tried to turn my service into a vulnerability. But I don’t care about attacks on me. I can take the heat. What I worry about is how the entire military community is being hurt in this moment.

Right now, we’re seeing how the Trump-Vance Administration implemented deep cuts impacting veterans’ benefits, laid off thousands of veterans who worked in the federal government, ousted military leadership, and blocked officers from being rightfully promoted just because of the color of their skin or gender.

People who raised their hand to serve this county. Who put themselves in harm’s way, miss birthdays and anniversaries, all to keep us safe. People who have given more to this country than anyone should ever be asked to do.

I didn’t take a traditional path to get where I am today, but I’m proud of every step of it. And if I had to do it all over again, I’d choose service every time.

Elevate,
Wes