Journey up the Success Ladder
A Journey of Sacrifice, Growth, and Vision
At the start of my military service in 1991, I had no idea where my career would take me, let alone where I would stand today or beyond. I happened to select a job that aligned with what I had learned in a technical and vocational high school. I enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Biomedical Equipment Technician, responsible for maintaining and managing medical devices for various military healthcare organizations.
At the time, I was following a technical path, but somewhere along the way, someone recognized something more profound in me—a calm, serving leader. One of my mentors saw my potential and told me, “Instead of pursuing airborne training or special operations, focus on your education and leadership development.” I listened.
I began by enrolling in college courses, initially to earn a bachelor’s degree. However, something happened along the way. The desire to push further took hold, and I enrolled in an MBA program. I earned my Master Fitness Certification, completed every level of leadership training required for promotion up to the First Sergeant, and continued to grow in leadership and influence.
The Sacrifices Along the Way
My military career took me to many places across the United States and overseas, including Germany (twice), Kosovo, Qatar, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Korea. Each location brought new challenges, requiring me to adapt and stay focused. But with every deployment came sacrifices—time away from family and friends, long nights strategizing, and the ever-present demand to balance personal and professional growth.
Despite the constant movement, I never let my education stall. During my last year of military service, I began pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration, a testament to my belief that growth is a continuous process.
With each promotion and new assignment, I faced greater leadership responsibilities. Some of my proudest moments included:
Being hand-selected to lead a health clinic in Mannheim, Germany, a role that expanded my leadership beyond technical management.
Serving as the Senior Advisor for over 550 soldiers in the Army's Premier Biomedical Equipment Technician and Medical Logistics Program, shaping the future of military healthcare professionals.
The Reality of the Journey
Did the journey take a toll? Absolutely. I spent long hours in the office, only to go home and work on school assignments. My mornings started early with physical training, sometimes twice a day, as I led programs for soldiers who needed extra training to pass their fitness tests or to come off the overweight program.
I tried to squeeze in time for hobbies—rehearsing songs for church performances, maintaining my cars, and spending time with family—but the balance was never easy. The irony? Despite being the “fitness guy,” my meals were often junk food—quick, unhealthy options that fit my demanding schedule.
And then there was deployment. Being away from my family was one of the hardest struggles. But I made no excuses when it came to communication. Whether through phone calls, chat messages, snail mail, or sending packages, I did everything I could to stay connected.
The Lessons That Changed Everything
Through it all, I learned invaluable lessons that continue to shape my journey today:
✅ Communication is everything. Stay connected to those who matter, no matter the distance.
✅ Work-life balance must be intentional. No one will create it for you—you have to fight for it.
✅ Feed your mind and body the right fuel. What you consume impacts your growth, both physically and mentally.
✅ Prioritize family. Take the trips. Make the memories. Be present.
✅ No limits exist—only mental limitations. Growth is infinite if you allow yourself to push beyond yesterday’s achievements.
The Journey Continues
After 23.5 years of military service, I retired and stepped into an executive role as a healthcare technology leader—a transition that was both challenging and rewarding. The skills, discipline, and leadership I developed in the military prepared me for success beyond uniformed service.
The person you see today? You won’t see the same version of me tomorrow, because growth never stops.
Today, I continue my professional journey, always striving to surpass the person I was a year ago. I recently launched DestinyVision Consulting LLC, which is more than just a business—it’s a vision for helping others navigate their leadership paths, overcome challenges, and achieve more than they ever thought possible.
This aligns with my motto: Making a passionate and positive difference in the lives of others.
What sacrifices have shaped your journey? Share your story—I’d love to hear from you.