The AF promotion list is out, and I have been selected for Colonel, a milestone only 1–3% of officers ever reach. It has been a very steep climb, one that demanded patience, dedication, resilience, and faith. But one well worth it.

I’m thankful to God, to my family who stood with me through every season, to my great commanders who guided, challenged, and supported me with respect, and to every mentor who saw more in me than I sometimes saw in myself.

To my mother: your strength shaped mine. 

To my late father: I carry your lessons with me. I hope I’ve made you proud.

If there’s anything this journey has taught me, it’s this: 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑑𝑜 𝑖𝑡. 𝐷𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛’𝑡. 𝐾𝑒𝑒𝑝 𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝐾𝑒𝑒𝑝 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔. 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚, 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑡.

Thank you for walking this path with me. 

-------------------------------------------

Here’s a five‑line piece that carries the quiet strength of the journey:

-     -     -     -     -     -     -     -     -     -     -     -     -

Grateful for the climb that shaped me.

Humbled by the hands that lifted me.

Honored to stand where few have stood.

Every step a lesson, every trial a gift.

And today… I rise with gratitude in my chest.