“I was in the Air Force from 2000 - 2009 and served as an Air Transportation troop that managed and processed inbound and outbound heavy airlift cargo and passengers. I was fortunate to be part of a Contingency Response Group, which are rapid response tactical unit capable of establishing strategic airlift operations anywhere in the world. Any major airfield established during OEF/OIF was first opened by a CRG and I'm quite proud of our contributions. CRGs are also capable of supporting any other type of military airlift operation and I was fortunate to travel the world in support of other non-combat missions.”
- Jeremy Fernandez

We asked her advice for someone going through similar obstacles or challenges on their journey. "Know your 'why.' You will question yourself. You will doubt yourself. You will see other people appearing to be successful and wonder if you’re doing the right thing, pursuing something so far outside of the scope of what others consider normal. As long as you have your “why” to refer back to, you WILL overcome the obstacles and challenges you face. But if you don’t know why you’re pursuing your journey, you don’t have a reason to try to continue moving forward. Know your why."

"I would have to say that this journey with Project Athena has been the most life-altering experience since my son was born. This adventure and the incredible group of people were the therapy I never knew I needed. It gave me a purpose that I so needed. The 16-week training plan held me accountable and pushed me through mental and physical barriers. It lit a fire under me to do something wonderful for myself and step out of my shell. This experience allowed me to meet the most amazing people that I will be lifelong friends with." - Christy Edwards, 2023 Harbor to Cove.

We, as humans, are created to be connected and in relationship with one another. Post-service life can present unique challenges, including a loss of camaraderie, routine, purpose, and identity. The National Ranger Association focuses on cultivating and stewarding relationships to benefit our United States Army Rangers through collaboration with active duty members, civilians, industry, and veterans. They are committed to preserving the rich legacy of Rangers, safeguarding the present, and paving the way for future generations.

Growing older it was clear that being outside and engaged with military culture were two of the greatest influences in my life. My family would often let me wander the wooded area alone at age 6, exploring the environment from multiple lenses - one being that of wonder towards the diverse ecosystem while trying to understand how everything worked, and the other from this pseudo-tactical/ survival perspective, sneaking around and blending into the environment with the intent of becoming a commando, a survivalist, someone who could sustain themselves with what was provided. Fieldcraft has been a part of my life for the entirety of my existence.

In the vibrant landscape of Luke Ebeling's life, the rhythmic cadence of childhood adventures in Lakewood, CO, and the aspirational dream kindled by a neighbor's Ranger tales paint a vivid narrative. Luke's odyssey unfolds through the corridors of ROTC at Montana State, navigating later into the logistical landscapes of Ordinance—a unique military trajectory converging toward the esteemed 75th Ranger Regiment. At the zenith of his military saga stands the triumphant conquest over The Best Ranger Competition in 2023. Transitioning gracefully to the civilian realm, Luke's narrative finds roots for his next chapter of life at Google.

Self-Respect can hit in two different ways. One is through fitness. You have to take care of your body in order to thrive. If you just sit on the couch and eat potato chips then you will live a short unhappy life. Self-respect is treating your body like a temple and taking care of it to the best of your ability. The second way self-respect is important is mental health and asking for help. I’ve always played the game of admitting any of that is a weakness. After seeing so many of my peers find so much relief I finally found out how much seeking help and talking to people about it all can help. Without taking care of myself both physically and mentally there is no getting to the objective.

Today, nearly 200,000 of our American service members are deployed in more than 100 countries around the world. But our troops are not as equipped as we’d like to think. Many times, they need resources faster than the government can supply them. Red tape, supply chain issues, or equipment failures mean that our service members are sometimes in the field without the equipment they need to protect themselves or to do the job effectively. When our troops need operational gear, they don’t need it in a few weeks or months. They need it now. Troops Direct fills the gap to protect our service members by supplying them with the equipment they need— usually within days, anywhere around the world. Our troops sacrifice daily to protect us, sometimes at the cost of their own lives. It’s our duty to support them - to provide what they need to accomplish missions and come home safe and in one piece.

This year I am partnering with Legacies Alive, an organization focused on supporting our Nation’s Gold Star Families, by undertaking the 2023 Legacies Alive Challenge. On September 24, 2023, the 12th anniversary of Tyler’s death, I will begin a 425-mile, four week hike from Tyler’s hometown of Dana Point, CA and finish in Ricardo’s hometown of Salinas, CA. My mission is to honor, celebrate, and pay tribute to not just Tyler and Ricardo, but to all who have died in service to the United States of America. The money raised will go towards building permanent memorials, for both Tyler and Ricardo, in each of their hometowns respectively.

As members of U. S. Air Force Special Warfare, Pararescue specialists rescue and medically treat downed military personnel all over the world. Pararescuemen, also known as “PJs,” and their Combat Rescue Officer leaders are the only U.S. force specifically trained and equipped to execute the most dangerous and technical rescue operations worldwide.  Regardless of enemy threat or environmental conditions, these elite warriors stand ready to find isolated and injured people, render expert medical care, and return them safely.

An Army Ranger who was wounded in the line of duty, David Reid recalls the mission that cost him his left leg—and nearly his life. This is David, in his own words, on what the experience taught him about his own strength—and that of the human spirit.

Welcome to 'Stories of Honor', a collection of stories that seeks to explore the depths of human experience through the lives of those who have served our country in the US military, our communities as first responders, or abroad in federal agencies. We’re dedicated to sharing their challenges. We'll be delving into the trials and triumphs of these men and women, who have devoted their lives to serving and protecting our country and communities.