by AdminImagine stepping off a plane and straight into hell. That was my reality. Two weeks after basic training, I was thrust into Ramadi, Iraq—a name that exuded danger, a city teetering on the edge of chaos. It was 2007, the year of “The Surge,” and Ramadi was, without a doubt, the most perilous place on Earth. This wasn’t just a deployment; it was a baptism by fire, a trial that would shape me into something new, though I was oblivious to it at the time.
We, the 3rd Infantry Division, were part of a significant strategic push—a surge of troops sent to reclaim a country spiraling out of control. Our mission was daunting: to reclaim a city, Ramadi, that had twice slipped from the grasp of control. Picture the chaos, the immense pressure, and the overwhelming responsibility that rested upon the shoulders of a young soldier barely out of training. The Marines had attempted and been repulsed. Now, it was our turn. We had become an integral part of a colossal operation, one of the largest in fact, Operation Iraqi Freedom. Failure was not an option. This was the crucible, and every day was a fight for survival, a struggle to impose order amidst a city engulfed in chaos.
We fought, we held our ground, and against all odds, we emerged victorious. We secured Ramadi. The victory was hard-fought, etched in sweat, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds forged in the crucible of battle. It was a defining moment, a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity and the unwavering power of commitment. It was here that I discovered the strength to confront any challenge and emerge triumphant.
That was just the beginning of three years of war, out of a total of six years serving in the Army. Before embarking on my second tour, I was promoted to the rank of Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), a significant milestone that recognized my leadership potential and dedication. This new role came with increased responsibility, and I embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.
During this tour, while serving as the Aerostat Flight Chief at COS Garry-Owen, 7th Cavalry Regiment, “Garry-Owen,” my dedication was further acknowledged. I was responsible for overseeing the operation and maintenance of the aerostat, a critical surveillance asset. The pressure was immense, but I thrived in this demanding environment. I was honored as both NCO of the Month and, ultimately, NCO of the Year. These accolades weren’t just personal achievements; they reflected my ability to lead, motivate, and achieve results under immense pressure.
My service was a relentless pursuit of excellence, a drive to exceed expectations at every turn. The numerous Army Commendation Medals (ARCOMs) and Army Achievement Medals pinned to my uniform weren’t just symbols of military accomplishments; they were tangible reminders of the battles fought, challenges overcome, and lives impacted. My two Good Conduct Medals, as silent sentinels, guarded a record of unwavering dedication and professionalism. Each medal carried a silent story of unwavering commitment to excellence.
But even the most intense chapters must eventually come to an end. Leaving the Army was like stepping out of a pressure cooker and into a world that felt strangely… quiet. The adrenaline, the camaraderie, the sense of purpose – it was a void I felt deeply.
Lost in Drywall Dust: A Search for Meaning in the Family Business
I traded my combat boots for work boots and ventured into the dusty and demanding world of drywall construction. For nearly a decade, I worked for my uncle’s company, becoming a jack-of-all-trades in the trade. From hanging and finishing drywall to intricate texturing and patching, I mastered every aspect of the job. We also tackled remodels, transforming outdated spaces into modern havens. I even honed my handyman skills, tackling the countless small repairs that keep a home running smoothly. I sought solace in the tangible, in the creation of something real and lasting. The demanding and long hours were rewarding, but the satisfaction of building something with my own hands was a new kind of reward. Or so I thought.
However, this period was a different kind of battlefield. I was working alongside family, people I cared deeply for. Yet, beneath the surface, a harsh truth emerged: I was being exploited, my loyalty and hard work taken for granted. The realization cut deep, leaving a wound far more painful than any I’d experienced in combat. It was a betrayal of a different kind, a gradual erosion of trust that left me questioning everything. This was my breaking point. I had to escape, to find a path where my dedication wouldn’t be exploited. I was no longer growing or learning anything new.
Rebirth: The Call of the Digital Frontier
The escape hatch appeared in the most unexpected place: the vibrant and ever-evolving world of video games. This wasn’t just a hobby; it was a lifelong passion, a world where I could lose myself for hours, a world of endless possibilities. It was time to turn that passion into purpose and forge my own destiny on my own terms.
I plunged headfirst into academia, devouring knowledge like a voracious learner. My Bachelor’s degree in Game Design wasn’t just a piece of paper; it was a key that unlocked a universe of creativity. I learned to build worlds, craft narratives, and breathe life into digital characters. But I knew that wasn’t enough.
To truly conquer this new landscape, I embarked on a transformative journey, pursuing my Master’s in Entertainment Business, with a completion date set for mid-2025. This isn’t just about game development; it’s about mastering the intricate balance between creativity and commerce, art and industry.
Forging the Future: A One-Man Army of Innovation
This isn’t merely a career change; it’s a revolution. I’m building an empire, one pixel, one line of code, and one meticulously crafted business plan at a time. This website serves as my war room, a central command where I’ll document every triumph, setback, and valuable lesson learned.
However, the real action unfolds behind the scenes. My solo game studio is my creative sanctuary, where raw ideas are transformed into immersive experiences. Drawing on the grit and determination cultivated during my time in the deserts of Iraq and the strategic thinking honed in the construction industry, I’m crafting games that will challenge, entertain, and captivate players.
Beyond my current projects, other ventures are in the works, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the entertainment industry. However, these projects remain classified for now.
The Adventure Continues: Join the Ranks
This journey is more than a career transition; it’s a testament to the power of reinvention. It’s proof that even after facing the darkest of trials, we can emerge stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever before. My journey is far from over; it’s just beginning.
I’ll be documenting every step on this site, sharing the raw, unfiltered reality of building something from nothing. The triumphs, the failures, the moments of doubt, and the breakthroughs – all will be documented here.
So, stay tuned. Join me on this wild ride. Witness the transformation of a soldier into a storyteller, a warrior into a world builder. This is my odyssey, and I invite you to be a part of it. The future is unwritten, and together, we will shape it.