Looking back at 2023, I can say without a doubt that it was a great year. Here is why.

I finally retired this summer from the U.S. Army after serving for 31 years, the majority of which were spent leading Soldiers as an officer. Four combat tours, three to Iraq and one to Afghanistan, were enough.

Serving in the military gave me a sense of purpose and direction. Growing up without a father was very difficult, and even though my mom did an amazing job, there was still a big hole that the Army filled. The military enabled me to become the man I am now, and along the way, I completed my college education, married my college sweetheart, became a father, and it gave us the unique opportunity to travel the world.

We visited 32 out of the 50 states of our great nation, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the following countries: Aruba, Austria, The Bahamas, Belgium, Belize, Bulgaria, Canada, The Cayman Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See/Vatican, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, The Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. I also visited Afghanistan and Iraq (where I went three times and was able to see the beautiful Tigris River), Kuwait (about 10 times), Qatar, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.

Most importantly, the military gave me the chance to retire at 50, providing me the opportunity to be home and available for my family. 

This year, we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary, bought our first house, and our wonderful son started high school.

I also started blogging and am definitely enjoying my time writing and meeting new friends.

So, if you ask me, I think this year was pretty awesome.

Merry Christmas / Feliz Navidad, and I hope that the New Year will bring you health and prosperity.

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