I have always considered myself to be very patriotic. I believe that the United States of America is the greatest country in the world and there is no place I'd rather call home. Today is an example of why I believe this to be true. To witness a peaceful transfer of power is something most countries cannot imagine. And it is all because we decided 11 weeks ago that we wanted a new leader.
Today is also one of those rare occasions that I reflect on a little known piece of my past. It was 10 years ago on Super Bowl Sunday that I moved into a hotel room in Maryland. The following morning I reported to the United States Secret Service Academy. There was no hesitation in my mind that I would have done whatever my country needed of me to protect her.
Ultimately my knees and my heart told me it was not the place and career that I was meant for. I am now in a place and position that allows me to help and improve lives in a way that my past career path would have never allowed. Though I wonder where I would be today during the inauguration had I stayed, I know that I am where I was always meant to be. I am a proud American, helping my fellow Americans.
