Some Words of Encouragement Heading Into The New Year

Theodore Roosevelt's "Man In The Arena"

Dear Bunker,

I don’t know about you, but it’s been a hell of a year. Between writing my first book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur,” participating in The Veteran Fellowship Program (VFP) at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, and continuing to serve The Bunker as host of the Transition podcast, I have a lot to be thankful for.

Whether you’re new to the show or have been with us since the beginning, I’m also thankful for you!!!

I know the end of the year is a time for reflection and no matter where you are in life, or your business, I want you to be proud of what you’ve accomplished.

During my freshman year at the United States Naval Academy, we had to memorize “Man In The Arena” by Theodore Roosevelt, which goes as follows:

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

I know it doesn’t always feel like it, but you’re not in the arena alone. You have a tribe of amazing veteran entrepreneurs and military spouses in there with you. Listen to their stories on the show, take down notes, and send out a helping hand when you can. You’re a part of a tribe now.

As we head into 2023 and beyond, wishing you nothing but success.

The Transition is brought to you by MetLife Foundation, and their commitment the supporting veteran and military-spouse entrepreneurs. In addition, Metlife Foundation also provides mentorship and financial health resources to veterans and military spouses transitioning into the workforce.

***P.S. I’m a Marine Grunt, so I apologize for any grammar errors in advance, but know I’m working on improving my writing."

Listen to the latest episode of the Transition on your favorite podcast app below.