Leaving the Marine Corps in 2009 wasn’t part of my original plan. I served as an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter, a role where seconds mattered, and lives were on the line. I thrived on the intensity and purpose—there was no feeling quite like knowing your work directly impacted those around you.
But life had other ideas.
While I was still serving, a heart murmur surfaced, and suddenly I was facing medical disqualification. My career as a firefighter ended, taking with it the mission I’d committed myself to and leaving me with the question: what now?
Determined not to be sidelined, I looked to civilian firefighting. Unfortunately, the same health issues that stopped me in the Marines kept me from pursuing firefighting as a career outside of the service. Plan B was no longer an option, and I found myself navigating a new world—one that didn’t come with the same structure and sense of purpose I’d known in uniform.
I took up sales, working in both B2B and retail. I figured that if I couldn’t serve in the same way, I could at least keep moving forward. Those years taught me resilience and helped me connect with people from all walks of life, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. I was surviving, but I wasn’t thriving.
Discovering a New Mission
In 2016, a friend suggested I try my hand at recruiting, and that’s when everything started to click. Suddenly, I was in a position where I could make a real difference in people’s lives, helping them transition into new roles and discover opportunities they might not have seen on their own. It reminded me of my time in the Corps—supporting people, guiding them through pivotal moments, and helping them overcome the uncertainties that come with big changes. For the first time since leaving the military, I felt that same sense of purpose and impact, knowing my work meant something to the people I was helping.
A year ago, I found my ideal fit at Markon. From the start, their values—dedication, passion, and determination—resonated deeply with me. Markon’s mission felt familiar, like a continuation of my journey from the Corps, but with an opportunity to use my skills to support others in a way that went beyond sales or numbers. Every day here, I’m reminded of the camaraderie I had in the Marines, working alongside people who share the same dedication to making a difference, even if our uniforms look a little different now.
What’s most rewarding about my role at Markon is how it allows me to support veterans transitioning from active duty to civilian careers, often within roles that continue to serve the government. Having navigated that transition myself, I know firsthand how daunting it can be to redefine your purpose outside of the military. It’s an honor to be there for them, helping them find new ways to serve and continue their missions.
Just as I once ran toward the fire to protect those around me, now I get to guide others into careers where they, too, can make a meaningful impact. This work has transformed my passion for helping people in ways I couldn’t have imagined, reigniting the purpose I first discovered as an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter.
Honoring Veterans: A Mission That Continues
As we approach Veteran's Day, I reflect on how my path after the military has enabled me to continue making a meaningful difference. At Markon, we’re dedicated to supporting veterans and honoring their service by guiding them through the transition to civilian roles where they can apply their talents to impactful work.
If you're attending the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Federal Small Business Conference, connect with me at Markon's booth, #1231, to learn more about our mission and how we support veterans in transition.
Discover Markon's Expertise at the 2024 SAME SBC
Interested in learning more about our innovative solutions? Connect with our team of experts at the 2024 SAME Federal Small Business Conference in New Orleans from November 20-22. Visit us at booth 1231 to discuss how we can assist your organization in navigating supply chain challenges and driving success.
For more details about the event and our presence there, visit: markonsolutions.com/same-sbc
