I am honored to nominate a true hero, a member of the United States Air Force Security Forces, part of the elite Phoenix Raven program. His mission has always been to protect, protect the aircraft, the crew, and the critical assets, especially during high-risk deployments in hostile territories across the Middle East.
During missions, he stood as a shield between danger and those in need, guarding injured personnel, medics, and pilots as they were evacuated to safety. His courage under pressure is matched only by his compassion. Even after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, he remained undeterred. Though he is no longer medically cleared for missions, his service has not ended. He continues to shape the future of the Phoenix Raven program by training the next generation with unmatched dedication and expertise.
He is a devoted father of three young children, ages 2 to 11, and balances his role as a service member with the demands and joys of fatherhood. He maintains peak physical condition and uses his personal experiences to uplift others. As co-founder of Grit Lab, a motivational seminar company, he empowers individuals to push through adversity and reach their fullest potential. He’s also an accomplished tattoo artist, using his creativity to express and inspire.
His heroism isn’t limited to the battlefield. I once watched him calmly de-escalate a tense situation at a local Walmart, stepping in with empathy and authority when others were frozen. That’s who he is, a protector in every sense, someone who leads with heart and never hesitates to serve, no matter the setting.
In the face of personal hardship, he has chosen to thrive, continuing to be a force of strength and a beacon of hope for those around him. He is, without question, my hero, and a hero to many