In January 2021, with a mission in mind, I made the 588-mile drive back home to Stamford after having been enlisted in the U.S. Army as a military journalist. I served our nation for six years to help give others a voice. I wanted not only to tell the story of U.S soldiers all over the world, but also, that of our allies and the people who are without rights in need of safety from political violence. While attached to Africa and European Command I have seen frozen, unworkable, and eternally aggressive situations soften up with thoughtful and compassionate action. I’ve grown from this experience, and I believe it is now time to take these lessons learned and apply it back home.