The late Reverend Martin Luther King seemed to answer the question I had only asked myself in private when he said, “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”

As a young police officer in San Diego, CA, it occurred to me that much of the crime I witnessed had its roots in substance abuse. It was then I realized I was free to make bold decisions, free to fight for liberty, free to commit my life to protect people less fortunate than I, that’s what inspired me to become a Special Agent with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), where I could pursue the narco-terrorists seeking to destroy our way of life in America.

I have fought proudly to preserve our freedoms and the liberties we so cherish in America. Beginning and raising a family while serving in this capacity was scary and not always easy, but they offered support and love when I needed those things more than money, water or ammunition. Our nation isn’t perfect, there is still much work to do, and I remain committed to fighting for the freedoms and liberties that all Americans deserve.

Today our country needs role models, mentors and coaches like never before to continue the fight for freedom and my friend Chris Warnes is a model of these values. Chris received a purple Heart, among many awards received for combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Chris subsequently earned his Bachelor’s degree and MBA upon returning from war and he has become an entrepreneur, mentor, and life coach. Chris literally fought for our country’s freedom and is now committed to helping others achieve their dreams, which can only happen in a country where all can be free to flourish.