The Mighty Shield

From Darkness to Purpose: A Journey through Mental Health and Redemption

Dan — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 02:55:25 +0000

In the National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, it states that in 2021, suicide rates rose 3.5% from 2020. Veterans between ages 18- and 34-years old had an unadjusted suicide rate of 49.6 per 100,000, while the rate was 35.5 per 100,000 for those between ages 35- and 54-years old; 29.9 per 100,000 for those between ages 55- and 74-years old; and 32.1 per 100,000 for those aged 75-years-old and older. 3.5% rise. With less than 1% of the population enlisting into the US military, 3.5% is extremely high. Being a veteran myself, I can’t help but look at that percentage with nothing but grief and pain. Having lost fellow brothers and sisters to the demons we all face, it hurts me to see.

Even outside the Department of Defense, the mental health crisis we face is insurmountable. As a parent, how do we heal ourselves from the mental overload life beats into us? How do we mentally handle the stresses of work, children, finances, and everything in between?

When I left active duty, I was in a mental decline. I resorted to drinking in my garage alone at the end of the day. Sitting in the cold in front of a space heater looking into the depths of the ceiling trying to figure out what the hell I was to do. I came to a dark moment in my life when I prematurely accepted a job in Virginia. Packing my bags, I said goodbye to my kids and wife, in hopes they would join me down south once I was settled. In the short drive I did. I came the closest I ever did to wanting to end my life. At that moment I called my mother, who had been there since I said goodbye at 18 years old to join the Marines. I broke down talking to her, finally admitting that I was lost and didn’t know what to do. She replied saying “just come home”.

With that, I finally got the kick in my head I needed. I turned around and went to my house. I went through the door and was met by my wife who was shocked I was standing there. I went over to where she was sitting and hugged her. I felt relief in that moment. When I left the military, I felt that I had no purpose anymore. What I realized in that moment is that my purpose is to ensure my family has me around and grow into a better man.

And so, the “speakeasy” bar I built during the COVID-19 lockdown got disassembled. I bought horse-stall mats, a squat rack, and weights. I began focusing on my mental outcome by physical exertion. The gym grew from deals on Facebook marketplace and sales at various fitness outlets. In 2022, I started a new journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. On top of lifting weights, I was now becoming humbler on the mats sparring with other individuals on a similar journey as myself. Over the years, my basement gym has slowly grown. I try to include my children who enjoy lifting the 2.5lbs plates and my 4-year-old daughter, who can proudly deadlift the 30lbs dumbbell. Of course, the gym is also a sanctuary and sometimes you do need a moment to yourself to lift. Being in your own thoughts underneath the barbell is my (dare I say) safe space.

I still have a long journey of recovery mentally. I’m constantly trying to work on myself. But I now have a meaning again, saved by lifting heavy things and putting them down.

The post From Darkness to Purpose: A Journey through Mental Health and Redemption appeared first on The Mighty Shield.

Mental Health and Fitness – A Balancing Act

Dan — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 02:32:32 +0000

In the chaos of our daily lives, the impact of physical fitness on mental health often eludes us. It’s more than just a way to stay in shape—it’s a pathway to a healthier mind, a journey that transcends mere physical exertion.

Research and personal accounts alike underscore the undeniable link between fitness and mental well-being. It’s not merely the rush of endorphins post-workout; it’s an intricate dance between body and mind—a symbiotic relationship where exercise becomes a catalyst for mental rejuvenation. It’s a natural mood elevator, releasing neurotransmitters that uplift spirits and diminish feelings of melancholy.

Amidst life’s stressors, fitness acts as a powerful defense. Engaging in regular exercise isn’t just about managing stress; it’s about building resilience against everyday pressures. It carves out mental space, allowing for clearer perspectives and calmer approaches to challenges. The physical exertion itself offers a release—a cathartic outlet for pent-up emotions, a therapeutic balm for the soul.

Fitness isn’t solely about achieving physical goals; it’s a voyage of self-discovery and empowerment. Setting and conquering fitness milestones—whether it’s surpassing a distance, lifting heavier weights, or mastering new techniques—instills a sense of accomplishment that transcends gym walls.

This sense of achievement doesn’t confine itself to workouts; it extends into everyday life, infusing confidence and fortitude to overcome obstacles. As individuals witness their physical prowess grow, so does their mental strength, arming them to navigate life’s challenges. In a society increasingly concerned about mental health, embracing fitness as a means of mental well-being is not just beneficial; it’s imperative. Encouraging individuals to weave physical activity into their routines isn’t merely about promoting physical health; it’s about fostering resilient and healthier minds.

Simple changes in daily habits—casual walks, yoga sessions, team sports—lay the groundwork for a more balanced and mentally robust life. It’s about discovering activities that resonate, bringing joy and fulfillment, and making them a part of daily rituals for self-care.

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The Yellow Footprints

Dan — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 01:42:04 +0000

My Time in the Corps

June 17th, 2013, 0100 hrs.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina

My first time on a commercial airliner. Twelve hours prior, I said my final goodbyes to my family and friends. I had never been away from home like this. I was excited, scared, and determined to see this next adventure. We had a layover at the John F. Kennedy International Airport, where more soon-to-be recruits joined us on our final flight to Savannah, Georgia. Everyone was excited on that last stretch. Talking, laughing, and wondering what the next portion of our journey was. When we arrived in Savannah and stepped off that Boeing 747, it became much more quiet.

A Marine in his Service Charlie uniform met us at the exit and moved us in a single line to walk through the airport; as if we were waiting to step into the slaughterhouse like cattle. When we got to the entrance of the airport, we were told to stand there and wait. More recruits were waiting in the same manner. Buses began arriving and we were told to get onto them. When we were all seated, the Marine returned and instructed us to “shut the fuck up and keep your heads in your laps. If you look up, I will fucking end you now”. Welcome to the Marine Corps is what I assumed he was trying to say. It felt like hours until we were at our destination. We seemed to have been driving in circles on Parris Island to disrupt our internal compass. When the bus finally parked, the fun began. The Drill Instructors got onto the bus and pushed us cattle onto the infamous yellow footprints. It was time to earn my title as a United States Marine.

The Marine Corps, in my opinion, had perfected the art of creating warfighters from the ground up. For thirteen weeks you are broken down from being worth less than a sandflea, to earning the title of Marine. There’s a trial in week twelve called the “Crucible” where, for seventy-two hours, you’re dragging through mud, sand, sweat, and pain working on a couple of hours of sleep (if that). At the end of it, you do your final hike back to the main side of the Island. Once you reach the end, you walk under an Arch that states “We Make Marines”. From there, you all gather in formation around the Iwo Jima Monument where your drill instructors present you with an Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. Emotions are running high and for the first time, you sing the Marine Corps Hymn as a United States Marine.

For most of us that were there, you’ve never felt a moment like that before. The joy, the pain, the excitement in what you just accomplished. A week after that, you’re marching around the parade grounds with your company for your graduation ceremony. You’re on top of the world at that moment; no one can beat you down. It’s been ten years since I graduated on September 13th, 2013 and I can’t even comprehend how much has happened since that day in such a short time.

I later went on to Camp
Lejeune for Marine Combat Training. Afterward, I continued my training in Military Police at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After training there, I was
placed in the 1st Law Enforcement Battalion, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA. Some of my closest friends who I still talk to this day I met in that unit. Our job was to provide security elements to line companies and logistics. Most of the time outside of training at 29 Palms, CA was focused on partying hard. Not a care in the world except for drinking and fighting. At 19 years old, I entered a world that I loved to its core. Afterwards, I was transferred to the Provost Marshal’s office on the base. The Law Enforcement side of being an MP.

After my tour there, I was transferred to Germany to work at Marine Forces, Europe and Africa, where my first son was born in a German hospital, and finally to Quantico, Virginia where I ended my time in the Marine Corps. “If the Marine Corps wanted you to have a family, they would have issued you one”. My wife moved back home early in preparation for me to get out. We bought a house and, while in Virginia, I would do the 10-hour commute home every other weekend to
see her and my two children. It was a hard time and I had missed about a year and a half of my oldest son’s life. I knew I didn’t want to do a career in the Corps. I loved it but it was time for me to move on.

So, in March 2020, I signed my DD-214 discharge papers and began the trip back home. I served in the Marine Corps for seven years and nine months. I will be the last person to say that it was easy and perfect; the easiest part was boot camp. I lost friends, relationships, and part of my soul. I wouldn’t trade my time for anything else though, except to see the Marines I served with one more time. The bonds I made while in I will cherish forever. As a Sergeant of Marines, I was fortunate to lead some of the most amazing men and women I have ever met. I pray that they are all safe to this day and fulfilling every single goal they have in life.

The Core Values of the Marines are Honor, Courage, Commitment. These are the foundation of the Marine Corps.

Honor guides Marines to exemplify the ultimate in ethical and moral
behavior. Never lie, never cheat or steal; abide by an uncompromising code of integrity; respect human dignity and respect others. Honor compels Marines to act responsibly, to fulfill our obligations and to hold ourselves and others
accountable for every action.

Commitment is the spirit of determination and dedication found in Marines. It leads to the highest order of discipline for individuals and units. It is the ingredient that enables constant dedication to Corps and country. It
inspires the unrelenting determination to achieve victory in every endeavor.

These values don’t just relate to the Marine Corps. We can utilize them in our daily lives. Teaching and showing our children to honor one another, to be responsible and accountable for our actions. Our children watch EVERYTHING we do and hear EVERYTHING we say.

We must be courageous both mentally and physically. To take care of our bodies and minds. Having the discipline to get up and workout, to eat right, to
read, write, and set the example for our little ones to live a fulfilling and healthy life. We can’t cower away when something happens such as the power going out, a natural disaster, or any danger that comes our way. We MUST stand and fight to live and show our children to do the same.

Above all, we must be committed to our loved ones. We must show empathy, support, love and encouragement. Most days that is one of the hardest things you have to do! We don’t get a full night of rest, the kids are making you consider living in an insane asylum, it happens! I struggle with this every day and every day I focus on being more committed to their development. They will
see when you are struggling. Don’t show them that its okay to quit.

They need you. We need you.

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What is My Goal?

Dan — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 02:10:58 +0000

Hello, and thank you for visiting the Mighty Shield. Some things I’ve been asking myself lately are as follows: what am I trying to create? What is the purpose? Whose attention am I trying to grab? What are my goals? There are hundreds, if not thousands, of other fathers, mothers, dogs, cats, and everyone in between who have created a blog to push their testimonies, products, opinions, and influences on others. Why am I creating something as well? What makes me special like all these amazing parents who have created amazing lives for themselves and their families? Well, not anything I would say. So… what’s the point of this?

I decided to do this for a place to speak. For a place to share my experiences, and to note down things in my life. I also wanted a place for others to get ideas from my successes and failures (many failures). I’m nothing special, but in the short twenty-nine years I’ve been on this earth, I’ve done a decent amount that brought different trials and experiences that may differentiate me from others. Are they better? Absolutely not. I am just another cog in the machine trying to survive in this world and ensure a healthy and strong life for my four children and wife.

My goal with this website is to bring my hobbies, interests, experience, and everything I try to do to ensure the success of my family into one place. I’m a jack of all trades but a master of none. I’ve been learning on the go just like most fathers do. Some are excellent at it from day one. Every day is a new experience and goal for me to try and attain. Most days are hard but at the end of every day, I reflect on how I should improve myself and become a better father, husband, and person. It’s been a long grinding road going from a knuckle dragger to a strong fatherly figure for my children.

I have a lot of healing to do as well. The mental aspect is the hardest thing for me to overcome. Writing my feelings down and talking about them is an uncomfortable thing for me to do. I’ve always been one to just add another pebble to the backpack I’m carrying. Unfortunately, that isn’t healthy, and I’ve seen myself fall too many times because of it. It’s a long journey and we need to understand that we are not alone.

So, join me on this journey. I hope you find either good entertainment or something more out of it.

-Dan

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