My journey began in Jackson, Tennessee, in 1968, as the eldest of four children. Growing up in the farming community of Whiteville, I was shaped by the values of hard work, respect, and discipline—principles that have carried me through every stage of life. In 1986, I enlisted in the U.S. Army, where I built a 29-year career marked by resilience, sacrifice, and service. Rising to the rank of Command Sergeant Major, I had the honor of serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn, earning the Legion of Merit, three Bronze Stars, and several top distinctions. My years in uniform were not only a test of endurance but also a preparation for a greater mission—leading and inspiring others through faith.