“AIM HIGH AND NEVER QUIT.”

I never would have or could have dreamt that I would write a book. I mean, I barely graduated high school. But then again, I never thought that a lot of things would happen. But somehow, under what can only be characterized as divine providence, I’ve beaten the odds on more than one occasion. But that’s not to say that I haven’t had the literal and figurative shit kicked out of me. But each time, I’ve been able to lick my wounds—which most have healed—and get up to fight again. But how? Why?

Was it the early playground days of challenging bullies—and often losing—that gave me my sometimes toxic “zero f#@%s” attitude?

Is it the perseverance learned in high school after having my world flipped upside down and being told by teachers that not only did I have a snowball’s chance in hell of going to West Point, but it’d be a miracle if I even got a diploma?

Or was it the mental toughness I earned at West Point after failing calculus my “Plebe” (Freshman) year at West Point and knowing that I had just burned my last shot of being a member of the ‘Long Grey Line’?

Is it the youthful arrogance that led me into a quixotic foray to the world of politics, where I was not only a long-shot candidate but was a laughing stock to the establishment elites?

Or was it the empathy and compassion of an Army officer serving in foreign lands, trying to make the world a better place?

Is it the very much unwanted title of “whistleblower” after witnessing what was one of the most sickening spectacles against our own people?

Or was it helping to save our allies a world away as they lived under the threat of near-certain death at the hands of terrorists?

And while these circumstances, situations, and events don’t define me, collectively, they have led me to this point in time. And now I’m ready to take the gloves off, and share my story.

So buckle up…it’s one hell of a ride.