What makes someone walk away from a stable career and choose a path filled with uncertainty and danger? After witnessing the events of 9/11, my cousin Van felt something shift inside him. He left behind his job drafting blueprints for buildings and answered a higher calling, one that led him into the U.S. Army, serving as a combat engineer focused on identifying and neutralizing IEDs in some of the most dangerous regions in the Middle East.
In this powerful conversation, Van opens up about his deployments, the violence he faced, the people lost, and the emotional weight he still carries. But beyond the battles, Van also shares the awakening he experienced, questioning the deeper “why” behind military actions and uncovering truths that changed the way he sees the world forever.
Today, Van continues his mission of service as a therapeutic behavior coach for young people, channeling his experience, empathy, and resilience into helping others heal and grow. His story is a profound reminder that some of our greatest heroes are the ones who continue to fight for good long after the war is over.
Thank you, Van, for your service, your strength, and your heart.
Van's T-Shirt Website: sapperzulu.com
How to Connect:
Email: sltu@sapperzulu.com
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