I’ve always wanted to make a difference in the lives of those around me.My military career began in military intelligence at the NSA, but I knew early on that I had made a mistake in choosing my career path in the military. I excelled and I was promoted quickly. However, I was left unfulfilled. I knew in my heart that I wasn’t where I belonged. In 2005, I made a leap of faith and attended Special Forces Assessment and Selection. I was selected as a medic, much to my dismay. I didn’t want to be a medic initially. Little did I know that the medic course would change my life forever. During the course I found myself in a position to legitimately save a few individuals’ lives and I knew that this was the kind of difference I wanted to make. Never in my whole life was I more sure that I was right where I was supposed to be. Over the next decade and a half, there were ample opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives. I started to see things through a much different lens. During my time in Germany, I ran a prep course for a school that everyone in my unit was required to pass in order to stay in my unit. I found a passion in teaching my peers a skill that they needed in order to be successful. After Germany, I spent time as an instructor in the very course that I was preparing my peers to go to. I learned to be better at my job, and I found that by helping others be successful, I was actually recharging my own personal batteries. When I built others up and charged them, I was also recharged. Being an instructor, seeing that light bulb cut on to grasp a difficult concept, being a vital part of their success: I couldn’t get enough. This was one of the most rewarding times in my military career! Their successes didn’t lead me into promotions, bigger money, or greater titles. But to see my students later and hear about their successes, was priceless!These experiences got me thinking about my core values and what they mean to me. They are the following:Loyalty – I will always have your back, no matter what. But I will also hold yo personally accountable for whatever you get me int.Integrity – I will never lie to you. I expect the same from you. I don’t have time for lies, half truths or omissions. Intensity – I’m either “All In” or "All out." If I’m in, you will get everything I’ve got.This is who I am.My name is Dan Simmons and I recharge batteries, so that others can grow.