Your best days are NOT behind you. Your life and future matters. Many veterans struggle when they re-enter civilian life. They miss the camaraderie and sense of belonging. They long to find the same level of meaning and purpose like they had when they were in the military. Although life in the armed forces, regardless of branch or MOS, can be extremely difficult, it’s also a sense of security. You get a regular paycheck, health care, housing, and food allowance. You also get to do some really cool stuff and potentially be responsible for some very expensive, highly sensitive or classified things. During my time as a special operator, I got to work with some super rad dudes, doing really fun and dangerous activities, in places around the world that very few people have the opportunity to see. It was awesome! When I decided to retire, I was afraid. I, like most SOF service members transitioning, felt like my best days were behind me. What can top being a special operator and provide as much meaning and purpose as doing the missions and building the relationships we had with our fellow teammates? Thankfully, I realized my best days were not behind me but ahead of me. Everyone is different, but for me, my God, my family, my friends, and my newly discovered “why” helped me find purpose and craft a life that matters. My why is to “illuminate the hearts of others, so they may rise above their barriers and summit the highest peaks.” I’m passionate about serving others and helping people overcome challenges and succeed. My desire is to help other veterans discover their why and use skateboarding as a positive outlet to rise above their barriers. Join us in this fight to #killthetrend of veteran suicide and keep us #sixfeetabove. @six_ft_above https://www.instagram.com/p/COTppE3rNk0/?igshid=ztqt8ohw9zwf