Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

The driving force behind Warriors of the Wind Foundation is passion fueled by pain. I have lost entirely too many veteran friends to suicide and self-damaging behaviors. The Marine Corps trained me to lead Marines. The work with my foundation is a continuation of this training in action. I am building new ways - now with the help with a team - for veterans to stay connnected and help each other not only survive but thrive after coming home from war. We find the forgotten and help them heal.

How do you stay motivated?

The mission of veteran suicide prevention is a calling that provides its own intrinsic motivation. We are trying unconventional ways of reducing this phenomenon which, at times, is misunderstood and even mocked by some people. Staying motivated through the mockery was hard at first but the messages from the people we are helping validate our efforts and keep us moving.

What would you do with the $25,000?

We are in a ‘proof of concept’ part of our mission by way of a miniseries pilot episode to be submitted to Angel Studios for public viewing. The miniseries is important because we are working to get to the veterans who are isolating in their homes and letting them know they still matter. They will see with their own eyes that their nation still cares about them by way of the Warriors of the Wind miniseries. $25,000 will complete the miniseries pilot and help with future episodes.