Yellow Footprint Day.  I reported to boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego 34 years ago today.  I started as a Private (E1) and today am a Navy Captain (O6).  I am humbled every day that I have had the opportunities I have and the leaders, mentors, and friends I have known along the way. 

Over the last 12,419 days:

  • 2 services (USMC & USN)
  • 14 promotions (Cpl was a three-peat!)
  • 2 demotions (see above)
  • 17 duty stations
  • 3 command assignments
  • 247 parachute jumps (24,750 ft was the highest — only 2 reserve pulls)
  • 97 days was my longest stretch underwater in a submarine without seeing the sun
  • 1,420 flight hours (ARIES!)
  • 19 deployments (11 years and 8 months on deployment)
  • Fought in combat on 3 continents
  • 37 countries visited
  • 48 states visited