My StoryI joined the United States Army in January 2006. I attended Fort Benning Georgia’s Infantry Basic Training school and was stationed at Fort Riley Kansas part of the 1st Battalion, 28thInfantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. While I was stationed at Fort Riley I successfully advanced through the Infantry Mortars Leaders Course (IMLC), Warriors Leaders Course (WLC), Advanced Leaders Course (ALC), Combat Life Savers certification (CLS), and Emergency Medical Technician school (EMT).In 2009 my unit was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF 9-11) to Samarra, Iraq for a year combat tour where I served as a mounted 240B and .50 Cal. Gunner.In 2012 my unit was deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF12-13) to Paktika Province, Afghanistan for a 9-month combat tour where I served as the Mortar Section Sergeant on Combat Out Post (COP) Zerok. During my deployment to Afghanistan, I was injured and sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) during a foot patrol when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated close to my fighting position resulting in 2 Americans killed in action (KIA).During my time in service, I received the rank of Staff Sergeant along with an assortment of certificates and awards including 1 Purple Heart, 1 Army Accommodation Medal with Valor, 3 Army Accommodation Medals, 3 Army Achievement Medals, along with a Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.Obstacles/ChallengesI struggled when I departed the Military as it was a difficult transition. This struggle in finding the "what's next" part of my Purpose was ultimately what drove me to start and operate my first Non-Profit, Pinellas Vets Association. It has been many years since I realized my need, "purpose" for community engagement in Veteran resources and it has been a long road with lots of learning along the way. I truly feel that I will never be able to stray away from the Non-Profit sector as it has brought me so much and has given me the opportunity to help my fellow man and fellow Veteran.Some of the greatest challenges that face the Veteran community is finding their next chapter and having the ability and security to reach their goals. The systems put into place to help with this takes care of the biggest picture but lacks in helping those who fall thought the cracks. This population needs resources that only a community can provide. I believe that we need more grass roots boots on the ground operations that uphold a neighborly feel to work towards help solve the issue.