07/28/2026
This past week in Utah, surrounded by an incredible brotherhood & the Best Defense Foundation, I was reminded of one of the most powerful truths:
The hardest seasons of our lives aren’t meant to break us—they’re meant to build us.
Every setback, every hardship, every moment of doubt becomes another tool in our toolbox if we’re willing to shift our perspective. The pain doesn’t disappear, but its purpose becomes clear. When we choose to see our struggles as preparation instead of punishment, we become better husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, teammates, leaders, and friends.
The greatest gift we can give someone isn’t pretending we’ve never struggled. It’s showing them that we’ve been there, found our way through it, and helping them realize they can too. Sometimes all it takes is one conversation, one shared experience, or one person who believes in them before they can believe in themselves.
That’s what BDF is all about—building connection, restoring purpose, and reminding warriors (in battle and in life) that they never have to walk alone. It isn’t about fixing broken people. It’s about helping extraordinary people rediscover the strength they’ve had all along. The program brings Special Operations veterans together with fellow operators, professional NFL athletes, and leading experts to build lasting relationships centered on purpose, identity, and resilience.
I also left inspired by the Best Defense Foundation’s incredible mission of taking our World War II veterans back to the very battlefields where they fought decades ago. Watching these heroes return to Normandy, Bastogne, Iwo Jima, and so many other places where history was written is more than honoring the past—it’s giving them the recognition, closure, and gratitude they have earned while preserving their stories for future generations. It’s one of the most meaningful missions I’ve ever witnessed.
Thank you to everyone who made this week unforgettable. I’ll carry these lessons—and these friendships—for the rest of my life.
If you haven’t seen what they’re doing, take a few minutes to watch their videos. They are 100% worth your time and support:
https://bestdefensefoundation.org/video-vault/