Our story began in the barracks at Camp Pendleton. We were both in the Marine Corps, and I had just arrived, feeling a little off balance. He knocked on my door to check on my roommate, one of his troops. I wasn’t in the mood, but his energy stuck with me. Over time, we connected, and friendship turned into love. Our first “date” was a trip to the barbershop—not fancy, but real. Looking back, it was the perfect beginning: authentic, easy, and honest.

One of our favorite memories is the birth of our third child. We had two boys, and I was sure the third was another. But when she arrived, he handed her to me and whispered, “Meet your baby girl.” I burst into tears—happy, overwhelmed tears—because he had kept the sweetest surprise. That moment was pure joy, full of love, laughter, and the beauty of new beginnings. It’s a memory we cherish deeply and one that still brings a smile to our faces after all these years.

We’d invest in what matters most: family and purpose. Part would fund a mindfulness app we're developing to help families navigate life with more peace and cultural connection. The rest would go toward an adventure with our kids and grandkids—building lasting memories. Just as our life together has been shaped by love and service, we want to leave a legacy of joy, healing, and meaningful connection for the next generation.