From Service to Second Chances: A Veteran's Reflection

First, I would like to thank all the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces this Veterans Day. As I reflect back on my own story of service, I can’t help but think of a theme that underlines my life from then to now: living with principle, overcoming obstacles, and understanding the value of a second chance.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve in the Colorado Army National Guard as a Military Police Officer. Little did I know that just a few months after returning home from basic and advanced individual training, our country would change forever. On September 11, 2001, like the rest of the world, I watched in shock as the tragedy unfolded.

Immediately after the attacks, my unit was called up to provide security at Colorado’s airports. I was assigned to the Colorado Springs Airport for duty. Once things calmed down, we were eventually relieved, but my service as a citizen soldier continued. I was later activated for several state missions, including securing forest fire burn areas and training with the Colorado State Patrol’s civil disturbance team, all while attending college and working a regular job.

The Army National Guard taught me to live a principled life, to serve my community, and to step up in difficult situations that others might avoid. I was proud of my service and my commitment. In many ways, the uniform became my identity.

Serving in my early twenties was challenging for me, especially since I wasn’t on active duty. I lived two lives, one as a responsible Military Police Officer, and another as a college student trying to fit in. None of my peers understood my commitment, and one New Year’s Eve — under the influence of alcohol and peer pressure — I made a mistake: I smoked marijuana. Shame and regret set in immediately.

At my next drill weekend, we had a urinalysis test. I chose to be honest and told my unit what I had done. They had me sign a sworn statement and issued a counseling form requiring me to attend a non-Army-funded treatment program. I wanted to make things right but couldn’t afford treatment at the time. 

A year later, I received orders to deploy to Iraq. I was stunned and excited to serve my country on this mission. I told everyone I knew: family, friends, everyone. But on the day I reported for duty, I was discharged for failing to complete the treatment program. In an instant, my world collapsed. I lost the identity I had built, my sense of purpose, and my pride.

Nothing is more painful than the loss of an illusion. For me, that illusion was my identity as a soldier. Losing it was devastating. The shame and guilt consumed me and led to 15 years of active drug addiction. I fell into poverty, unable to keep a job, and eventually committed non-violent crimes to support my addiction.

In 2018, I found the courage to enter recovery, and I’ve been clean ever since. I served my time, paid restitution, and completed every court-ordered requirement. Still, I found that many doors remained closed due to my record including opportunities in housing, education, employment.

In 2022, I learned about the Clean Slate movement and became involved. Through Clean Slate, I was able to seal two records in the State of Colorado, finally allowing me to move forward. Today, I’m proud to be employed through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, having completed a five-year apprenticeship. I now live a fulfilling life with my wife in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

After everything I’ve been through, I’m grateful for the chance I had to serve my country, even though my service was cut short. It remains a big part of who I am. The Army instilled in me values I still live by today: respect, discipline, and integrity. But perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned is this: self-worth doesn’t come from what you do, it comes from the principles you live by every day.

We all make mistakes. But those mistakes don’t define us. What defines us is how we rise after we fall. Everyone deserves a second chance.