Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years of active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, the research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. This epidemic cannot be solved by just 1 person; rather we need to come together as a community and country to support our servicemen coming home from overseas. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. Believing in themselves and a higher power granted them serenity. In America today, we are more worried about having the newest iPhone, more than when we will get our next meal. Easy times have created weaker people that can only be fixed by discipline financially, spiritually, and by building meaningful relationships outside of social media.

Welcome to New York. Ever since I was a child, watching the Spiderman movies with Tobey Maguire, I wanted to see New York City. Its dazzling nightlife, bold skyscrapers, and hustle and bustle attitude has always appealed to me. When you think about it, New York is as America as it gets. Since the founding of the "Big Apple" by the Dutch in 1624, New York has welcomed many new generations of Americans. It is best noted in films such as 'The Godfather II' and 'Coming to America' where Lady Liberty stands in her full glory, ready and proudly welcoming her fellow countrymen after there long journey a far. Today, New York is made up of vastly different ethnic groups; Puerto Ricans of Washington Heights, Irish of Hell's Kitchen, Russians in Brighton Beach, African-American Harlem, Chinatown, etc. Going from one neighborhood to the next could seem as if you are going into a different country. Nowhere else but here can you do such a thing; only in New York. After my cousin died at the age of 23 from leukemia, I realized that life is short. I knew that I always wanted to see New York, and figured that I would test my luck getting there. I applied to 2 colleges in the New York metropolitan area, halfhearted expecting to get admitted. If I did get accepted, I knew I would have to pay for it, so I applied for the Naval ROTC scholarship as well. Months went by and nothing. It wasn't until I checked my Email after work, when I learned that I was accepted into Forham University and Rutgers University on the same day, a few minutes apart from each other. Making the trip to the Northeast was a first for me and my family. The culture is much different from Northern Alabama, as you could imagine. Seeing the New York skyline for the first time was a sight to see, and was not what I was expecting. Instead of being greeted by Lady Liberty, I was greeted by Budweiser outside of Newark international Airport. The rustic iron docks and hectic concrete jungle that surrounds the city is not what I expected, but was not disappointing. Realizing that New York itself is not paradise, but it is in fact the people that make New York, New York. 'Welcome to New York' signifies a welcoming of myself, much like Taylor Swift, into a new atmosphere, ready to take it on.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. This epidemic cannot be solved by just 1 person; rather we need to come together as a community and country to support our servicemen coming home from overseas. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. This epidemic cannot be solved by just 1 person; rather we need to come together as a community and country to support are service members who are now home from overseas. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

I was born in Gelnhausen, Germany at 11: 47 A.M. on May 19, 2004. My parents were stationed there, two years prior to my twin brother, Colton’s, and my birth. Our birth was deemed "high risk," something that the Doctor’s on base couldn’t do, and would have to be done elsewhere. Dr. Tyka was a cesarean section specialist in the Hessen Region and department head of OBGYN, where my parents were stationed. I was born 1 month prematurely and weighed only 5 1/2 pounds and my twin brother, just under 5. My brother and I fought for our lives for one month inside an incubator, before we were released from the hospital. I am glad to confirm that we turned out healthy; I now stand at 6' 3" and my brother, 6' 2". It is my mother’s recollections on the severity of our birth which makes me very appreciative of life in general and an undoubtedly respect for the nurses, nurse practitioners, tech’s, who made my brother’s and my life possible. I am currently a Senior at New Century Technology High School in Huntsville, Alabama, and plan to go to college after graduation. The two pre-med majors that I have decided on are Human Biology and or Biochemistry. My end result is to one day become a pediatric endocrinologist. I enjoy working with children and have hundreds of documented volunteer hours in between my high school clubs; Key Club, Beta Club, National Honor Society, specifically with children. Endocrinology as you may know is the study of hormones, which influence our temperature, sleep, mood, growth, and fight diseases. Just last year, an estimated 5.2 million children (about twice the population of Mississippi) under the age of 5, died from preventable and treatable cases. Ensuring that the next generation is invigorated and well-nourished is rewarding and would gladden me more than any monetary gain that I could make in any other profession. Avenues that I have pursued to pay for college is joining the Navy's corpsman as an entryway to medicine. A corpsman is like a paramedic in the civilian world, but the military offers more benefits for long-term career plans, especially Medical School. I am well-versed in what life in the Military would entail for me, bounded by since birth. Military scholarships though are limited and do require outside resources. I do currently work a part time job during school to help save for college, and have done so since my sophomore summer, prior to my junior year in high school. I do appreciate any help provided, even if not monetary, as I plan to chase my vision, no matter what obstacles lie ahead. Best wishes & regards, Kadan Fussell

I was born in Gelnhausen, Germany at 11: 47 A.M. on May 19, 2004. My parents were stationed there, two years prior to my twin brother, Colton’s, and my birth. Our birth was deemed "high risk," something that the Doctor’s on base couldn’t do, and would have to be done elsewhere. Dr. Tyka was a cesarean section specialist in the Hessen Region and department head of OBGYN, where my parents were stationed. I was born 1 month prematurely and weighed only 5 1/2 pounds and my twin brother, just under 5. My brother and I fought for our lives for one month inside an incubator, before we were released from the hospital. I am glad to confirm that we turned out healthy; I now stand at 6' 3" and my brother, 6' 2". It is my mother’s recollections on the severity of our birth which makes me very appreciative of life in general and an undoubtedly respect for the nurses, nurse practitioners, tech’s, who made my brother’s and my life possible. I am currently a Senior at New Century Technology High School in Huntsville, Alabama, and plan to go to college after graduation. The two pre-med majors that I have decided on are Human Biology and or Biochemistry. My end result is to one day become a pediatric endocrinologist. I enjoy working with children and have hundreds of documented volunteer hours in between my high school clubs; Key Club, Beta Club, National Honor Society, specifically with children. Endocrinology as you may know is the study of hormones, which influence our temperature, sleep, mood, growth, and fight diseases. Just last year, an estimated 5.2 million children (about twice the population of Mississippi) under the age of 5, died from preventable and treatable cases. Ensuring that the next generation is invigorated and well-nourished is rewarding and would gladden me more than any monetary gain that I could make in any other profession. Avenues that I have pursued to pay for college is joining the Navy's corpsman as an entryway to medicine. A corpsman is like a paramedic in the civilian world, but the military offers more benefits for long-term career plans, especially Medical School. I am well-versed in what life in the Military would entail for me, bounded by since birth. Military scholarships though are limited and do require outside resources. I do currently work a part time job during school to help save for college, and have done so since my sophomore summer, prior to my junior year in high school. I do appreciate any help provided, even if not monetary, as I plan to chase my vision, no matter what obstacles lie ahead. Best wishes & regards, Kadan Fussell

I was born in Gelnhausen, Germany at 11: 47 A.M. on May 19, 2004. My parents were stationed there, two years prior to my twin brother, Colton’s, and my birth. Our birth was deemed "high risk," something that the Doctor’s on base couldn’t do, and would have to be done elsewhere. Dr. Tyka was a cesarean section specialist in the Hessen Region and department head of OBGYN, where my parents were stationed. I was born 1 month prematurely and weighed only 5 1/2 pounds and my twin brother, just under 5. My brother and I fought for our lives for one month inside an incubator, before we were released from the hospital. I am glad to confirm that we turned out healthy; I now stand at 6' 3" and my brother, 6' 2". It is my mother’s recollections on the severity of our birth which makes me very appreciative of life in general and an undoubtedly respect for the nurses, nurse practitioners, tech’s, who made my brother’s and my life possible. I am currently a Senior at New Century Technology High School in Huntsville, Alabama, and plan to go to college after graduation. The two pre-med majors that I have decided on are Human Biology and or Biochemistry. My end result is to one day become a pediatric endocrinologist. I enjoy working with children and have hundreds of documented volunteer hours in between my high school clubs; Key Club, Beta Club, National Honor Society, specifically with children. Endocrinology as you may know is the study of hormones, which influence our temperature, sleep, mood, growth, and fight diseases. Just last year, an estimated 5.2 million children (about twice the population of Mississippi) under the age of 5, died from preventable and treatable cases. Ensuring that the next generation is invigorated and well-nourished is rewarding and would gladden me more than any monetary gain that I could make in any other profession. Avenues that I have pursued to pay for college is joining the Navy's corpsman as an entryway to medicine. A corpsman is like a paramedic in the civilian world, but the military offers more benefits for long-term career plans, especially Medical School. I am well-versed in what life in the Military would entail for me, bounded by since birth. Military scholarships though are limited and do require outside resources. I do currently work a part time job during school to help save for college, and have done so since my sophomore summer, prior to my junior year in high school. I do appreciate any help provided, even if not monetary, as I plan to chase my vision, no matter what obstacles lie ahead. Best wishes & regards, Kadan Fussell

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. This epidemic cannot be solved by just one person; rather we need to come together as a community and a country to support are service members who are coming home from overseas. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. This epidemic cannot be solved by just 1 person; us as whole country need to come together as a community and country to support are service members who have come home from overseas. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Fulfilled; comfortable knowing that I did all I could to chase my dreams.

I was born in Gelnhausen, Germany at 11: 47 A.M. on May 19, 2004. My parents were stationed there, two years prior to my twin brother, Colton’s, and my birth. Our birth was deemed "high risk," something that the Doctor’s on base couldn’t do, and would have to be done elsewhere. Dr. Tyka was a cesarean section specialist in the Hessen Region and department head of OBGYN, where my parents were stationed. I was born 1 month prematurely and weighed only 5 1/2 pounds and my twin brother, just under 5. My brother and I fought for our lives for one month inside an incubator, before we were released from the hospital. I am glad to confirm that we turned out healthy; I now stand at 6' 3" and my brother, 6' 2". It is my mother’s recollections on the severity of our birth which makes me very appreciative of life in general and an undoubtedly respect for the nurses, nurse practitioners, tech’s, who made my brother’s and my life possible. I am currently a Senior at New Century Technology High School in Huntsville, Alabama, and plan to go to college after graduation. The two pre-med majors that I have decided on are Human Biology and or Biochemistry. My end result is to one day become a pediatric endocrinologist. I enjoy working with children and have hundreds of documented volunteer hours in between my high school clubs; Key Club, Beta Club, National Honor Society, specifically with children. Endocrinology as you may know is the study of hormones, which influence our temperature, sleep, mood, growth, and fight diseases. Just last year, an estimated 5.2 million children (about twice the population of Mississippi) under the age of 5, died from preventable and treatable cases. Ensuring that the next generation is invigorated and well-nourished is rewarding and would gladden me more than any monetary gain that I could make in any other profession. Avenues that I have pursued to pay for college is joining the Navy's corpsman as an entryway to medicine. A corpsman is like a paramedic in the civilian world, but the military offers more benefits for long-term career plans, especially Medical School. I am well-versed in what life in the Military would entail for me, bounded by since birth. Military scholarships though are limited and do require outside resources. I do currently work a part time job during school to help save for college, and have done so since my sophomore summer, prior to my junior year in high school. I do appreciate any help provided, even if not monetary, as I plan to chase my vision, no matter what obstacles lie ahead. Best wishes & regards, Kadan Fussell

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. This epidemic cannot be solved by one person; us as a community and country need to come together to support are service members, especially those who are now home from are long war on terror. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. This epidemic cannot be solved by just one person; us as a community and country need to advocate for are service members who are now home from are war on terrorism. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I can honestly say, that my mother is the true definition of a leader; selfless, strong, and looks at the broad picture, rather than only her own needs and wants. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, domestic violence, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other through everything for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage who currently live in Huntsville, Alabama, next to Redstone Arsenal. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. This epidemic can not be solved by just one person, but rather are the whole country needs to come together to help combat this tragedy. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to go into the Navy as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist, being the first person in my family to go to college. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

Growing up the son of an Army Soldier, I was surrounded by what many would deem the "Nation's Finest." Honor, respect, and sacrifice was the mantra that I and all my peers upheld as it was expected by our parents and of each other. The military community is a tight-knit one that is void of civilian structure; it doesn't matter if you are Black, White, Male or Female, Tall, Short, Young, Old, etc. We are all an extended family that has no favorites, and each member is viewed equally. Like all families though, we are not immune from drama. Military life is synonymous with heavy drinking, and infidelity. So much so, we have nicknames for it. A "Jody" is a man who seduces a soldier's wife or girlfriend during his absence; a "blue falcon" is a fellow service member who "screws over" his or her fellow service member. It is not that uncommon for a soldier to receive a “Dear John” letter while they are on a deployment. Each slang, though funny in name, is devastating to a soldier and their family. My dad served 27 years active duty in the military and in that time, was divorced twice. My uncle, who served 24 years, divorced three times. Staggering, but not uncommon. Military life requires long-term separation from loved ones, putting service to our country as the top priority. The temporary loss of a family member through deployment brings unique stresses to a family in three different stages: pre-deployment, survival, and reunion. Most families adapt to these stresses well. In families without adequate coping skills, however, these stresses can lead to problems that the family presents to the healthcare system. The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil. This is known as the "22 Veterans Club". The V.A., Veteran Administration, conducts the largest national analysis of Veteran suicide rates each concluding that anxiety, bipolar, depression, TBI, military sexual abuse, PTSD, schizophrenia, and substance use are the primary factors. In 2021, research found that 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served in the military after 9/11 have died by suicide - compared to the 7,057 service members killed in combat in those same 20 years. That is, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military operations. A sad fact, knowing that we are losing more of our “guys” at home than on the battlefield. I have been very blessed with a good family life with parents who managed military life well and have stuck it out with each other for 22 years of marriage. I do plan to commission into the Navy after college as a means of furthering my dream to become a pediatric endocrinologist. I do one day hope to be married and have kids potentially. Starting a relationship while I am in service will be challenging, especially a long-term one, but looking for a partner who understands what military life entails will make deployments easier for both parties.

I was born in Gelnhausen, Germany at 11: 47 A.M. on May 19, 2004. My parents were stationed there, two years prior to my twin brother, Colton’s, and my birth. Our birth was deemed "high risk," something that the Doctor’s on base couldn’t do, and would have to be done elsewhere. Dr. Tyka was a cesarean section specialist in the Hessen Region and department head of OBGYN, where my parents were stationed. I was born 1 month prematurely and weighed only 5 1/2 pounds and my twin brother, just under 5. My brother and I fought for our lives for one month inside an incubator, before we were released from the hospital. I am glad to confirm that we turned out healthy; I now stand at 6' 3" and my brother, 6' 2". It is my mother’s recollections on the severity of our birth which makes me very appreciative of life in general and an undoubtedly respect for the nurses, nurse practitioners, tech’s, who made my brother’s and my life possible. I am currently a Senior at New Century Technology High School in Huntsville, Alabama, and plan to go to college after graduation. The two pre-med majors that I have decided on are Human Biology and or Biochemistry. My end result is to one day become a pediatric endocrinologist. I enjoy working with children and have hundreds of documented volunteer hours in between my high school clubs; Key Club, Beta Club, National Honor Society, specifically with children. Endocrinology as you may know is the study of hormones, which influence our temperature, sleep, mood, growth, and fight diseases. Just last year, an estimated 5.2 million children (about twice the population of Mississippi) under the age of 5, died from preventable and treatable cases. Ensuring that the next generation is invigorated and well-nourished is rewarding and would gladden me more than any monetary gain that I could make in any other profession. Avenues that I have pursued to pay for college is joining the Navy's corpsman as an entryway to medicine. A corpsman is like a paramedic in the civilian world, but the military offers more benefits for long-term career plans, especially Medical School. I am well-versed in what life in the Military would entail for me, bounded by since birth. Military scholarships though are limited and do require outside resources. I do currently work a part time job during school to help save for college, and have done so since my sophomore summer, prior to my junior year in high school. I do appreciate any help provided, even if not monetary, as I plan to chase my vision, no matter what obstacles lie ahead. Best wishes & regards, Kadan Fussell

I was born in Gelnhausen, Germany at 11: 47 A.M. on May 19, 2004. My parents were stationed there, two years prior to my twin brother, Colton’s, and my birth. Our birth was deemed "high risk," something that the Doctor’s on base couldn’t do, and would have to be done elsewhere. Dr. Tyka was a cesarean section specialist in the Hessen Region and department head of OBGYN, where my parents were stationed. I was born 1 month prematurely and weighed only 5 1/2 pounds and my twin brother, just under 5. My brother and I fought for our lives for one month inside an incubator, before we were released from the hospital. I am glad to confirm that we turned out healthy; I now stand at 6' 3" and my brother, 6' 2". It is my mother’s recollections on the severity of our birth which makes me very appreciative of life in general and an undoubtedly respect for the nurses, nurse practitioners, tech’s, who made my brother’s and my life possible. I am currently a Senior at New Century Technology High School in Huntsville, Alabama, and plan to go to college after graduation. The two pre-med majors that I have decided on are Human Biology and or Biochemistry. My end result is to one day become a pediatric endocrinologist. I enjoy working with children and have hundreds of documented volunteer hours in between my high school clubs; Key Club, Beta Club, National Honor Society, specifically with children. Endocrinology as you may know is the study of hormones, which influence our temperature, sleep, mood, growth, and fight diseases. Just last year, an estimated 5.2 million children (about twice the population of Mississippi) under the age of 5, died from preventable and treatable cases. Ensuring that the next generation is invigorated and well-nourished is rewarding and would gladden me more than any monetary gain that I could make in any other profession. Avenues that I have pursued to pay for college is joining the Navy's corpsman as an entryway to medicine. A corpsman is like a paramedic in the civilian world, but the military offers more benefits for long-term career plans, especially Medical School. I am well-versed in what life in the Military would entail for me, bounded by since birth. Military scholarships though are limited and do require outside resources. I do currently work a part time job during school to help save for college, and have done so since my sophomore summer, prior to my junior year in high school. I do appreciate any help provided, even if not monetary, as I plan to chase my vision, no matter what obstacles lie ahead. Like Heavy Metal, the needy are always going to be there. At its core, Metal and Medical, it's all about a primitive connection we all need to keep in our lives and the influence on others. Best wishes & regards, Kadan Fussell

I was born in Gelnhausen, Germany at 11: 47 A.M. on May 19, 2004. My parents were stationed there, two years prior to my twin brother, Colton’s, and my birth. Our birth was deemed "high risk," something that the Doctor’s on base couldn’t do, and would have to be done elsewhere. Dr. Tyka was a cesarean section specialist in the Hessen Region and department head of OBGYN, where my parents were stationed. I was born 1 month prematurely and weighed only 5 1/2 pounds and my twin brother, just under 5. My brother and I fought for our lives for one month inside an incubator, before we were released from the hospital. I am glad to confirm that we turned out healthy; I now stand at 6' 3" and my brother, 6' 2". It is my mother’s recollections on the severity of our birth which makes me very appreciative of life in general and an undoubtedly respect for the nurses, nurse practitioners, tech’s, who made my brother’s and my life possible. I am currently a Senior at New Century Technology High School in Huntsville, Alabama, and plan to go to college after graduation. The two pre-med majors that I have decided on are Human Biology and or Biochemistry. My end result is to one day become a pediatric endocrinologist. I enjoy working with children and have hundreds of documented volunteer hours in between my high school clubs; Key Club, Beta Club, National Honor Society, specifically with children. Endocrinology as you may know is the study of hormones, which influence our temperature, sleep, mood, growth, and fight diseases. Just last year, an estimated 5.2 million children (about twice the population of Mississippi) under the age of 5, died from preventable and treatable cases. Ensuring that the next generation is invigorated and well-nourished is rewarding and would gladden me more than any monetary gain that I could make in any other profession. Avenues that I have pursued to pay for college is joining the Navy's corpsman as an entryway to medicine. A corpsman is like a paramedic in the civilian world, but the military offers more benefits for long-term career plans, especially Medical School. I am well-versed in what life in the Military would entail for me, bounded by since birth. Military scholarships though are limited and do require outside resources. I do currently work a part time job during school to help save for college, and have done so since my sophomore summer, prior to my junior year in high school. I do appreciate any help provided, even if not monetary, as I plan to chase my vision, no matter what obstacles lie ahead. Best wishes & regards, Kadan Fussell

I was born in Gelnhausen, Germany at 11: 47 A.M. on May 19, 2004. My parents were stationed there, two years prior to my twin brother, Colton’s, and my birth. Our birth was deemed "high risk," something that the Doctor’s on base couldn’t do, and would have to be done elsewhere. Dr. Tyka was a cesarean section specialist in the Hessen Region and department head of OBGYN, where my parents were stationed. I was born 1 month prematurely and weighed only 5 1/2 pounds and my twin brother, just under 5. My brother and I fought for our lives for one month inside an incubator, before we were released from the hospital. I am glad to confirm that we turned out healthy; I now stand at 6' 3" and my brother, 6' 2". It is my mother’s recollections on the severity of our birth which makes me very appreciative of life in general and an undoubtedly respect for the nurses, nurse practitioners, tech’s, who made my brother’s and my life possible. I am currently a Senior at New Century Technology High School in Huntsville, Alabama, and plan to go to college after graduation. The two pre-med majors that I have decided on are Human Biology and or Biochemistry. My end result is to one day become a pediatric endocrinologist. I enjoy working with children and have hundreds of documented volunteer hours in between my high school clubs; Key Club, Beta Club, National Honor Society, specifically with children. Endocrinology as you may know is the study of hormones, which influence our temperature, sleep, mood, growth, and fight diseases. Just last year, an estimated 5.2 million children (about twice the population of Mississippi) under the age of 5, died from preventable and treatable cases. Ensuring that the next generation is invigorated and well-nourished is rewarding and would gladden me more than any monetary gain that I could make in any other profession. Avenues that I have pursued to pay for college is joining the Navy's corpsman as an entryway to medicine. A corpsman is like a paramedic in the civilian world, but the military offers more benefits for long-term career plans, especially Medical School. I am well-versed in what life in the Military would entail for me, bounded by since birth. Military scholarships though are limited and do require outside resources. I do currently work a part time job during school to help save for college, and have done so since my sophomore summer, prior to my junior year in high school. I do appreciate any help provided, even if not monetary, as I plan to chase my vision, no matter what obstacles lie ahead. Best wishes & regards, Kadan Fussell