 So I joined the Marine Corps when I graduated from college and I was in for about six years. When I was in the Marine Corps I was a combat engineer officer so I supervised the platoon of combat engineers and everything from demolition to route mobility to survivability and building defensive positions. I don't think I was prepared for just how much I would miss the Marines and the comrader in the Marine Corps. I just didn't have the same comradery outside of the Marine Corps that I had while I was in. But then having joined the Long Beach Fire Department it really replaced a lot of that. I don't know how to describe it but it's almost, I wouldn't say it's a lack of friendship but it's just a lack of shared purpose and a lack of shared intent. It says a man's character is his fate and it's a quote that I hold very closely to myself. It's intimidating to be a very small cog in a very big wheel right now. I think a veteran is a great fit for the fire service for a lot of different reasons. Vets are also super capable as far as the concept of self-sacrifice is concerned. They already know what it means to serve and to give of themselves as to their families. And then when you come here to the Long Beach Fire Department there are certain sacrifices that are asked of you. Whether it's spending time away from your family or whether it's really laying your life on the line for somebody who may not even know that you're out there actively trying to save them.