06/01/2026
Over the last few weeks, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most elite men and women our profession has to offer—security professionals, military personnel, special operations forces, and protectors from around the world, all converging for a singular purpose: to protect those who cannot protect themselves and to serve something greater than themselves.
The experiences, lessons, and people I encountered during this time have impacted me profoundly. Many of those lessons will stay with me forever, but one in particular has not left my mind for even a moment.
His name will remain unspoken, but he will never be forgotten.
From the first day our team arrived, we were greeted by a young boy whose excitement rivaled that of a child meeting his superheroes. Every time he saw us, he would enthusiastically call out our names and wrap his arms around us with genuine joy. He constantly checked in on our team, asking if we needed anything and how he could help. He wanted to ensure we were performing at our very best.
In a world often filled with ambiguity, risk, high stakes, and profound loss, this young man somehow set the tone for success each day.
I remember thinking that he looked at us as though we were the heroes.
He had no idea he had become one of our greatest sources of strength.
As our assignment was coming to an end and we were preparing to leave, I told one of my teammates that I wanted to present him with one of my challenge coins.
For those unfamiliar with the tradition, challenge coins are often given to recognize someone who has made a lasting impact, shared a hardship, demonstrated exceptional character, or done something that will never be forgotten.
I told my team that while we may have accomplished our mission, a large part of our success came from the support we received along the way—and this young man had become a daily source of positivity, encouragement, and purpose.
Everyone agreed it was the right thing to do.
The following morning, however, something felt wrong.
For the first time, he wasn’t there to greet us.
When I asked where he was, I explained my intention to present him with the coin. It was then that I learned the reason for his absence.
The eight-year-old boy who had spent every day encouraging our team was undergoing treatment for leukemia.
I was told that if anyone would appreciate the gesture, it would be him. Evidently, he talked about our team constantly and dreamed of becoming an operator himself one day.
Although he couldn’t be there in person, arrangements were made for us to FaceTime before we departed.
During that conversation, I explained the significance of the coin and the impact he had on me and our team. I told him how impressed I was that someone who had endured so much hardship could still carry so much weight and impact, that he directly impacted our success and was considered one of our own.
I told him that hardship shapes us. That adversity can make us stronger. That if he stayed away from the bad things, remained true to his purpose, and continued to care for others the way he already did, he would become a great protector one day.
I told him that in humanity’s darkest moments, people will always seek out the light.
And that he should strive to be a beacon so bright that others naturally gravitate toward him.
I explained that the coin was a reminder:
To always be the light.
To recognize the gift of service.
To pursue something greater than yourself.
To never shrink from your purpose.
And to always remember that human beings will forever be more valuable than money, possessions, or status, because it is the impact we leave on others that ultimately defines us.
While I cannot share the names of the people, the places, or this remarkable young man.
I found it necessary to share the lesson.
If an eight-year-old child battling leukemia can find it within himself to show up every day in service to others, to lift spirits, to inspire, and to encourage those around him, then certainly we as adults can find it within ourselves to do the same.
Be the light.
The lives we save and the people we positively impact are often unknown to us. Our successes are frequently measured in silence, while our failures and losses are often public. We may never know how many lives we touched, how many tragedies were prevented, or how many people were inspired by a simple act of kindness.
But that doesn’t change the mission.
Get in, get out
Do good.
Protect others.
Stay alive.
Leave people better than you found them.
And whenever possible—
Be the light as there are always those seeking it out!
I Appreciate everyone’s patience as I down regulate and dial back in. And apologies for the missed messages.
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