In 1997, I was honorably discharged from the military. In the years since, health problems have only permitted me to hold a desk job. I considered myself to be nothing more than a broken down man with health issues. However, the principles and values of the military were still in my blood, and I felt my mission was not complete, which led me to Team Rubicon.
Operation: Ugly Water in Arnold, MO was my first deployment with TR. On my first day, I warned my team leader that I was broken old man but promised I would work slow and steady. After two days of flood demo, my feet were black and blue and my body was sore but I survived the assault that our Strike Team delivered on that house.
We managed to completely gut a duplex from floor to ceiling and it was an unbelievable experience! I would not trade anything in the world for the experience I had with my new TR family. Not only did I have the opportunity to serve with some amazing people, but I also proved to myself that I still have what it takes.
Operation: Ugly Water may have been my first deployment but it certainly will not be my last!
