My name is Nolan Coleman, and I currently serve as a Corporal in the United States Marines, fulfilling the role of platoon guide, having previously served as a squad leader. In my civilian career, I work in law enforcement for the City of Goddard in Kansas. Our small town borders Wichita, KS, bringing in a steady workload to a small-town area, which allows me to experience a wide range of police work in a community-oriented environment. Choosing law enforcement as my career path is deeply rooted in my commitment to service and my desire to create a better world for the future. With a year and a half of experience as a patrol officer, I've encountered a diverse array of situations, including suicidal individuals, death calls, burglaries, theft, domestic violence, traffic-related incidents, and DUI arrests. Each of these experiences has strengthened my resolve to help those in need and ensure a safer, more stable society. These challenges have not only tested my skills and resilience but also underscored the importance of a dedicated, service-oriented approach in maintaining public safety and order. My background in the Marine Corps and various leadership roles has instilled in me a profound sense of duty and an unwavering commitment to serving others. From leading my scout troop as a young boy to commanding over 130 cadets in high school JROTC, and from being a team captain in sports to holding significant roles in my church, I've always placed myself in positions where I can teach, lead, support, listen to, and serve others. Additionally, I served a two-year full-time proselyting mission, holding leadership over 8-15 other individuals for 18 months of it. I also serve at the local Ronald McDonald House, which allows me to connect with people on a more personal level outside of work, demonstrating that I care about people both on and off shift. These experiences have equipped me with the skills necessary to handle the pressures of law enforcement and have fostered a deep-seated commitment to making a positive impact in my community. As a husband and father, my main goal is to raise a good family that will also have the tools to better the future. Being a service-oriented law enforcement officer is essential for the well-being of any community. Law enforcement allows me to translate my values into tangible actions that make a difference. The ability to support and protect those in need, especially during their most vulnerable moments, is at the heart of what it means to be an effective officer. Every call I respond to is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference, offer help when it is most needed, and provide a sense of security and stability to those I serve. Ultimately, my commitment to a career in law enforcement is about contributing to a better future for society and for my family. It is about being part of something larger than myself, where my actions directly contribute to the well-being of my community. This sense of purpose and the opportunity to serve my fellow citizens is what drives me every day, reinforcing my dedication to this vital profession and my vision of a better world.

My name is Nolan Coleman, and I currently serve as a Corporal in the United States Marines, fulfilling the role of platoon guide, having previously served as a squad leader. In my civilian career, I work in law enforcement for the City of Goddard in Kansas. Our small town borders Wichita, KS, bringing in a steady workload to a small-town area, which allows me to experience a wide range of police work in a community-oriented environment. Choosing law enforcement as my career path is deeply rooted in my commitment to service and my desire to create a better world for the future. With a year and a half of experience as a patrol officer, I've encountered a diverse array of situations, including suicidal individuals, death calls, burglaries, theft, domestic violence, traffic-related incidents, and DUI arrests. Each of these experiences has strengthened my resolve to help those in need and ensure a safer, more stable society. These challenges have not only tested my skills and resilience but also underscored the importance of a dedicated, service-oriented approach in maintaining public safety and order. My background in the Marine Corps and various leadership roles has instilled in me a profound sense of duty and an unwavering commitment to serving others. From leading my scout troop as a young boy to commanding over 130 cadets in high school JROTC, and from being a team captain in sports to holding significant roles in my church, I've always placed myself in positions where I can teach, lead, support, listen to, and serve others. Additionally, I served a two-year full-time proselyting mission, holding leadership over 8-15 other individuals for 18 months of it. I also serve at the local Ronald McDonald House, which allows me to connect with people on a more personal level outside of work, demonstrating that I care about people both on and off shift. These experiences have equipped me with the skills necessary to handle the pressures of law enforcement and have fostered a deep-seated commitment to making a positive impact in my community. As a husband and father, my main goal is to raise a good family that will also have the tools to better the future. Being a service-oriented law enforcement officer is essential for the well-being of any community. Law enforcement allows me to translate my values into tangible actions that make a difference. The ability to support and protect those in need, especially during their most vulnerable moments, is at the heart of what it means to be an effective officer. Every call I respond to is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference, offer help when it is most needed, and provide a sense of security and stability to those I serve. Ultimately, my commitment to a career in law enforcement is about contributing to a better future for society and for my family. It is about being part of something larger than myself, where my actions directly contribute to the well-being of my community. This sense of purpose and the opportunity to serve my fellow citizens is what drives me every day, reinforcing my dedication to this vital profession and my vision of a better world.

My name is Nolan Coleman, and I currently serve as a Corporal in the United States Marines, fulfilling the role of platoon guide, having previously served as a squad leader. In my civilian career, I work in law enforcement for the City of Goddard in Kansas. Our small town borders Wichita, KS, bringing in a steady workload to a small-town area, which allows me to experience a wide range of police work in a community-oriented environment. Choosing law enforcement as my career path is deeply rooted in my belief in the necessity of structure and stability for our society. With a year and a half of experience as a patrol officer, I've encountered a diverse array of situations, including suicidal individuals, death calls, burglaries, theft, domestic violence, traffic-related incidents, and DUI arrests. Each of these experiences has reinforced my commitment to keeping our country together and providing assistance in times of crisis. These challenges have not only tested my skills and resilience but also highlighted the critical role that a dedicated law enforcement officer plays in maintaining public safety and order. My background in the Marine Corps and various leadership roles has ingrained in me a profound sense of duty and a relentless drive to serve others. From leading my scout troop as a young boy to commanding over 130 cadets in high school JROTC, and from being a team captain in sports to holding significant roles in my church, I've always placed myself in positions where I can teach, lead, support, listen to, and serve others. Additionally, I served a two-year full-time proselyting mission, holding leadership over 8-15 other individuals for 18 months of it. I also serve at the local Ronald McDonald House, which allows me to connect with people on a more personal level outside of work, demonstrating that I care about people both on and off shift. These experiences have equipped me with the skills necessary to handle the pressures of law enforcement and have fostered a deep-seated commitment to making a positive impact in my community. Being a good law enforcement officer is essential for the well-being of any community. Law enforcement allows me to translate my values into tangible actions that make a difference. The ability to support and protect those in need, especially during their most vulnerable moments, is at the heart of what it means to be an effective officer. Every call I respond to is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference, offer help when it is most needed, and provide a sense of security and stability to those I serve. Ultimately, being a good law enforcement officer is about contributing to a safer, more structured society where people can thrive, knowing there are dedicated professionals ready to help. It is about being part of something larger than myself, where my actions directly contribute to the well-being of my community. This sense of purpose and the opportunity to serve my fellow citizens is what drives me every day, reinforcing my commitment to this vital profession.

My name is Nolan Coleman, and I currently serve as a Corporal in the United States Marines, fulfilling the role of platoon guide, having previously served as a squad leader. In my civilian career, I work in law enforcement for the City of Goddard in Kansas. Our small town borders Wichita, KS, bringing in a steady workload to a small-town area, which allows me to experience a wide range of police work in a community-oriented environment. Choosing law enforcement as my career path is deeply rooted in my belief in the necessity of structure and stability for our society. With a year and a half of experience as a patrol officer, I've encountered a diverse array of situations, including suicidal individuals, death calls, burglaries, theft, domestic violence, traffic-related incidents, and DUI arrests. Each of these experiences has reinforced my commitment to keeping our country together and providing assistance in times of crisis. These challenges have not only tested my skills and resilience but also highlighted the critical role that a dedicated law enforcement officer plays in maintaining public safety and order. My background in the Marine Corps and various leadership roles has ingrained in me a profound sense of duty and a relentless drive to serve others. From leading my scout troop as a young boy to commanding over 130 cadets in high school JROTC, and from being a team captain in sports to holding significant roles in my church, I've always placed myself in positions where I can teach, lead, support, listen to, and serve others. Additionally, I served a two-year full-time proselyting mission, holding leadership over 8-15 other individuals for 18 months of it. These experiences have equipped me with the skills necessary to handle the pressures of law enforcement and have fostered a deep-seated commitment to making a positive impact in my community. Being a good law enforcement officer is essential for the well-being of any community. Law enforcement allows me to translate my values into tangible actions that make a difference. The ability to support and protect those in need, especially during their most vulnerable moments, is at the heart of what it means to be an effective officer. Every call I respond to is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference, offer help when it is most needed, and provide a sense of security and stability to those I serve. Ultimately, being a good law enforcement officer is about contributing to a safer, more structured society where people can thrive, knowing there are dedicated professionals ready to help. It is about being part of something larger than myself, where my actions directly contribute to the well-being of my community. This sense of purpose and the opportunity to serve my fellow citizens is what drives me every day, reinforcing my commitment to this vital profession. I want to be safe in my job and I want others to be safe too. Having mutual respect stems from positive interactions with law enforcement.

My name is Nolan Coleman, and I currently serve as a Corporal in the United States Marines, fulfilling the role of platoon guide, having previously served as a squad leader. In my civilian career, I work in law enforcement for the City of Goddard in Kansas. Our small town borders Wichita, KS, bringing in a steady workload to a small-town area, which allows me to experience a wide range of police work in a community-oriented environment. Choosing law enforcement as my career path is deeply rooted in my belief in the necessity of structure and stability for our society. With a year and a half of experience as a patrol officer, I've encountered a diverse array of situations, including suicidal individuals, death calls, burglaries, theft, domestic violence, traffic-related incidents, and DUI arrests. Each of these experiences has reinforced my commitment to keeping our country together and providing assistance in times of crisis. The challenges I've faced in these situations have not only tested my skills and resilience but also deepened my understanding of the critical role law enforcement plays in maintaining public safety and order. My background in the Marine Corps and various leadership roles has ingrained in me a profound sense of duty and a relentless drive to serve others. From leading my scout troop as a young boy to commanding over 130 cadets in high school JROTC, and from being a team captain in sports to holding significant roles in my church, I've always placed myself in positions where I can teach, lead, support, listen to, and serve others. Additionally, I served a two-year full-time proselyting mission, holding leadership over 8-15 other individuals for 18 months of it. These experiences have equipped me with the skills necessary to handle the pressures of law enforcement and have fostered a deep-seated commitment to making a positive impact in my community. Law enforcement allows me to translate these values into tangible actions that make a difference. The ability to support and protect those in need, especially during their most vulnerable moments, fuels my passion for this career. Every call I respond to is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference, to offer help when it is most needed, and to provide a sense of security and stability to those I serve. Ultimately, my choice to pursue a career in law enforcement is about contributing to a safer, more structured society where people can thrive, knowing there are dedicated professionals ready to help. It is about being a part of something larger than myself, where my actions directly contribute to the well-being of my community. This sense of purpose and the opportunity to serve my fellow citizens is what drives me every day, reinforcing my commitment to this vital profession.

As a proud member of the Marine Corps Reserve with over four years of service, my journey began on the hallowed grounds of Parris Island as a recruit. Over the years, I have not only grown in rank but have also embraced leadership responsibilities, currently serving as a squad leader and aspiring to reach the rank of sergeant. However, my path has not been without challenges, and one notable instance involved setting up a fuel site under unexpected circumstances. During a critical training exercise, it became apparent that our gear had not been adequately checked before heading to the field. This oversight left us with broken equipment and a severe shortage of essential gear, resulting in the transportation of only half the required fuel. The consequence was not merely logistical; it created a tense atmosphere among the Marines, exacerbating an already demanding situation. In the face of this challenge, I recognized the need for swift and effective action. I approached the situation with tact, addressing the gear issue methodically and coordinating with the responsible parties to rectify the problem promptly. Moreover, I recognized the importance of maintaining morale and cohesion within the unit. Despite the adversity, I made a conscious effort to infuse positivity into the environment. By displaying resilience and a solution-oriented mindset, I played a crucial role in mitigating tensions and fostering a sense of unity among the Marines. My ability to navigate challenges with positivity and effective problem-solving not only resolved the immediate issue but also strengthened the camaraderie within the unit. Looking forward, my educational goals align with both my military aspirations and civilian career ambitions. Pursuing a degree is not merely a personal achievement but a strategic move to enhance my skills and contribute more effectively in both realms. Post-graduation, I envision leveraging my academic qualifications to pursue a commission as a warrant officer, an esteemed role within the military that demands a unique blend of leadership, expertise, and commitment. Simultaneously, I am driven to excel in my civilian career as a police officer. The skills honed in the Marine Corps – discipline, adaptability, and a commitment to service – align seamlessly with the demands of law enforcement. Armed with a solid educational foundation, I aim to not only meet the challenges of the dynamic field of policing but to excel and contribute meaningfully to the safety and well-being of the community. The dual nature of my goals reflects a commitment to service on multiple fronts. While I continue to progress in the Marine Corps Reserve, contributing to the spiritual fitness and overall readiness of my unit, I am simultaneously preparing for a civilian career where the values instilled in me by the military will continue to guide my actions. In conclusion, my military experience has been a transformative journey, marked not only by accomplishments but also by challenges that have tested my leadership and problem-solving skills. With educational goals centered on both military advancement and civilian success, I aim to bridge the two worlds, bringing the skills cultivated in one to enhance the effectiveness and impact of the other. As I chart my course towards becoming a warrant officer and a dedicated police officer, I am driven by a deep sense of duty to serve and protect, both as a Marine and a civilian guardian of the community.

As a proud member of the Marine Corps Reserve with over four years of service, my journey began on the hallowed grounds of Parris Island as a recruit. Over the years, I have not only grown in rank but have also embraced leadership responsibilities, currently serving as a squad leader and aspiring to reach the rank of sergeant. Beyond the traditional military roles, I have taken on a unique responsibility within my company - the advancement of spiritual fitness. In my current position, I find myself at the intersection of military service and the well-being of my fellow Marines. As the individual charged with advancing the spiritual fitness of my company, I work closely with our battalion chaplain to implement meaningful changes. This role has given me the opportunity to contribute to the holistic development of my unit, fostering a sense of resilience and mental well-being among my fellow Marines. Looking forward, my educational goals align with both my military aspirations and civilian career ambitions. Pursuing a degree is not merely a personal achievement but a strategic move to enhance my skills and contribute more effectively in both realms. Post-graduation, I envision leveraging my academic qualifications to pursue a commission as a warrant officer, an esteemed role within the military that demands a unique blend of leadership, expertise, and commitment. Simultaneously, I am driven to excel in my civilian career as a police officer. The skills honed in the Marine Corps – discipline, adaptability, and a commitment to service – align seamlessly with the demands of law enforcement. Armed with a solid educational foundation, I aim to not only meet the challenges of the dynamic field of policing but to excel and contribute meaningfully to the safety and well-being of the community. The dual nature of my goals reflects a commitment to service on multiple fronts. While I continue to progress in the Marine Corps Reserve, contributing to the spiritual fitness and overall readiness of my unit, I am simultaneously preparing for a civilian career where the values instilled in me by the military will continue to guide my actions. In conclusion, my military experience has been a transformative journey, shaping my character and instilling in me the values of honor, courage, and commitment. With educational goals centered on both military advancement and civilian success, I aim to bridge the two worlds, bringing the skills cultivated in one to enhance the effectiveness and impact of the other. As I chart my course towards becoming a warrant officer and a dedicated police officer, I am driven by a deep sense of duty to serve and protect, both as a Marine and a civilian guardian of the community.

Growing up, my great-grandfather, Donal Liming, was a living testament to resilience, hard work, and a legacy forged in the crucible of World War II. A proud Seabee during the war, his experiences shaped not only his life but also the stories he shared and the lessons he imparted. Donal, a man of few words but immense wisdom, transitioned from his military service into a career in construction. He was a builder, not just of houses, but of a life marked by dedication and a commitment to doing things with his own two hands. Living a mere 20 minutes away from him during my childhood, I was fortunate to witness firsthand the quiet strength and skills he possessed. In the warm afternoons of my youth, I would often find myself on his brick patio, a space that became the backdrop for countless lessons and memories. At the age of 80-90, Donal was still the embodiment of vigor, embarking on a new journey – gardening. His hands, weathered by time and experience, delicately nurtured plants and imparted to me the art of coaxing life from the soil. Sitting together on that patio, I was treated not just to a simple lunch but a feast of stories. A ham sandwich, small cookies, chips, a pickle, and a glass of coke became the ritual. The patio, where we shared these meals, was not only a physical space but a classroom where I learned the intricacies of laying and leveling bricks – skills that, unbeknownst to me at the time, would become a cherished part of my own repertoire. As he recounted his experiences, my great-grandfather spoke of his time constructing a runway for the Enola Gay, the plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. He reminisced about the camaraderie he shared with his buddies, the challenges they faced, and the triumphs they celebrated. These stories weren't just historical narratives; they were life lessons woven into the fabric of our family's heritage. Beyond the tales of war and construction, Donal also passed down practical knowledge. I vividly remember him meticulously oiling wood tools, emphasizing the importance of care and maintenance. These were the small yet profound lessons that transcended generations, embodying the spirit of resilience and resourcefulness that defined his character. My great-grandfather's legacy extends far beyond the structures he built or the gardens he tended. It lives on in the values he instilled and the memories created on that humble brick patio. From him, I learned not just the art of construction but the importance of building a life with purpose, passion, and a deep-rooted connection to the past. As I lay bricks or nurture a garden, I am reminded that I am continuing a legacy forged by a Seabee who, even in his twilight years, continued to shape the world around him.

“Love one another. As I have loved you.” Nolan Coleman Ever since I was young my church has had community service opportunities, the boy scouts as well and within school organizations. Although I did feel good about helping, I never really understood the significance of these events until later in life. For a long time, I was not the man I wanted to be and struggled within myself with suicidal tendencies. It was not until I truly started following Christ that my mind changed and understanding of the world changed. His love inspired me to make sure others felt that love in their life as well. After high school, despite being appalled by going to church all my life, I decided to go on a two year full-time, proselyting and community service mission for my church. God has saved my life and now I wanted others to know that they can survive this life as well. During this time, I did yard work for those who couldn’t, blessings for children with cancer and tumors, adults in hospitals, worked at foodbanks and habitat for humanities and told people that I do care about them and strived everyday to show people that there is at least one person in the world that loves them. I currently volunteer at my local congregation as a young men’s advisor, which means I assist with activities and teaching lessons and helping the young men learn important skills and knowledge for the future. Outside of regular service in everyday life, I also work as a police officer in Wichita, KS and I currently serve in the United States Marines as well. My career choices are in direct connection to my desire to be in a spot to be in close contact with those in need. Christ has led me to want to serve his children. I am a man of duty; this means when I know my purpose that it is what I always strive to do. I strive to reach out to those that I can see are having a hard time in any aspect of life from emotions to help with resumes. For my future I have desires to further my career in criminal justice, the Marines, volunteering at my church, teaching or assisting with a JROTC program at a high school, starting a scholarship program associated with military and first responders as well. I also love to volunteer still, at food banks mainly. I have in the past been raised to serve others and through my life now I have set my path to only be of service to others to be an example to others. Some one who strives to obtain the attributes of Christ. I believe in changing how we view each other and service will do that and it will also increase when we all learn to view each other as equal no matter what our past or circumstances.

My name is Nolan Coleman. I am 23 years old and graduate from the Wichita Police Department Academy in July, expecting my first child in July (a son) with my wife and we are closing in on our home as well. I am also a Corporal in the Marine Reserves which I travel to Phoenix from Wichita monthly to do. I have completed two years of credit so far toward my bachelor's degree in criminal justice. With all I have going on at this time of my life, my focus is on my God and family. Second is my career, to help my nation and community where I can. Many people have very negative outlooks on the world and our nation's state of being. I am the opposite; I have and will always carry a positive attitude and outlook on situations and people. We are taught in the police academy that the way we carry ourselves and treat those we interact with will determine our careers and how others react to us. With sincerity and care for others, I will seek to at least be a positive interaction that many do not get. People are people and we cannot forget we are all a lot more similar than people want to believe. Many people are stricken with situations that they cannot control such as a domestic violence incident, a loved one passing away, a juvenile acting out because they have no structure, and getting sucked into a life of addictions. These people don’t need overly aggressive cops or someone tired of dealing with them repeatedly. My religion has raised me to have time and time again realize that I love people no matter what and just want to do my part in the never-ending cycle and keep going with hope that I can change at least one person’s life by being a positive person and creating a positive relationship with them. Growing up as the youngest of four boys I always followed what my brothers did in life. Except when it came to a career. I always wanted to be three things, a father, a Marine and a police officer. My father raised me to love this country and my community. I grew up with two county officers in my neighborhood, a gold star family, a part of extended family that chose careers in firefighting a couple becoming chiefs at one point or another and other friends that were police officers and military service members. There was never one person that inspired me, more of the idea and example of all who lived to give up their time and liberties to make sure others could live in comfort. I desire to utilize scholarships to help me in this stressful financial time of my life to gain a degree. This degree I can utilize to grow my career within the Marines and within my police department. Thus, putting myself in more positions to have positive effects in my community and provide more for my family.

A man making continuous selfless decisions for the betterment of his family, church and country.

The factors that I have seen that inspire me to perform community service and desire change go back to how my parents raised me, my relationship with my church and God and have overcome challenges and desiring others to have someone to help them. I have been shaped into a person that desires to be active in my church, proactive in military service and becoming a part of my local law enforcement. Aside from physical careers and volunteer experience, my main desire is to be an example of a person who cares about others. I have seen the good in my life and desire to bring hope to others. I became an eagle scout in my youth, participating in service activities of building an archery range and decks at a local park. Within my church from a young age, my father took me to visit people in the ward. These visits included sharing scriptures, providing service or finding such opportunities, and general friendship. I continue this attitude in church and out of church making sure people know someone cares for them. I served in California from 2018 to 2020 as a full-time volunteer missionary for my church. This included going around and trying to spread the gospel of Christ and providing physical or emotional support to others. In 2020, I joined the Marine Corps and am currently still in the reserves as a Corporal. This year 2023, I started my new career with the Wichita Police Department. Career-wise this allows me to give up many rights and take on many more responsibilities to more fully give back to my country, community and those of more immediate interactions. I am looking to utilize my degree to be able to work my way up in my career to have more impact in organizations and bring a more positive mindset and attitude about life to more people. Service to me is the greatest source of joy for both sides. In my day-to-day interactions, I do my best to have a positive perspective on life and bring a smile to a conversation. This can be done by using positive words and phrases, appropriate humor, starting conversations with strangers and reaching out to people. This can show people you care, have self-control and stand as an example of someone who can change when they put their mind to it. Our daily interactions will initiate more change than anything else.

I believe that we are all very similar in very unique ways. In a way that we are all unique yet we are all like pieces of a quilt that when put together create a diverse piece of art. I knew from a young age what God had in store for me. To love others and to serve them. Service is my life. I always wanted to be a Marine and a Cop. I wanted to be in positions every day where I can serve others. Where my life becomes focused on helping others in crisis. Growing up as the youngest I saw early that my desires were not the same as those in my family. I wanted to just give my life to the service of others. I was constantly told being a Marine is a life mistake, being a cop is a terrible decision and one that would never bring the money needed for a family. But I could not avoid my calling in life. As a Corporal in the Marines, I stand ready to give my all for my country or those of another country in need. I am also ready to stand for service members. Many people suffer mentally in the military and I have lost a couple of Marines just in the last couple of years and it kills me to think of losing more. Bringing in a degree will allow me to build in rank and expand my ability to reach the lives of others. My criminal justice degree has and will allow me to better understand those in crisis. The ability to understand the past through my studies to have better interactions with people of every race and background and better be there for them in their crisis. Many people do not have a heart of service or love for others. I carry that every time I meet someone new because of my relationship with God. This is key to law enforcement because when you do not care to assist properly in a crisis this can escalate a situation more than it needs to. I will continue to develop attributes like charity to bring change into people's lives that others do not bring. I always hope that my attribute will allow me to be an example that will influence those around me into being more charitable and therefore truly creating the country and community that this land was meant for.

Every day a kid is neglected by parents or guardians, drugs enter into a person's life, domestic abuse occurs, and the abuse of all kinds of children in our nation occurs. We never know when the next war will come when the freedoms we enjoy will be threatened or the freedoms of people in other countries will be threatened. People in the world always find themselves in crisis with no way forward. This is the reason I joined the United States Marines. To go when called to sacrifice all if needed. This is also why I joined law enforcement in the city of Wichita, KS. This is why I served a two-year church mission seeking people wanting to come closer to God and those in immediate need of physical, mental or spiritual help. With my degree, I would be able to advance my career in the Marine corps and become an officer. This would expand my responsibilities and ability to reach more people and influence good and assist them when in need. I have had multiple Marines pass away and wish to develop a relationship with as many of them as well to know how to best assist service members in crisis as well. A degree in criminal justice would allow me to attain higher ranks within my department but what I have mainly gained from it so far is an understanding of why there is so much separation between people of this country and its cops. My classes have helped me understand race issues specifically through historical events of riots and massacres and lack of justice brought in the past. I have also learned more about mental crises and handling those situations and the importance of continually changing our justice system and how we handle people in crisis and make more alternatives available to people. The crisis is happening every day, my degree will allow me to be a person able to have an understanding of what they may be going through., their options and the resources available to them. Many people do not seek to understand mental illness, and racial disparity of the past and how that does in fact effect how we enforce laws today, drug prevalence in communities and how to combat these issues productively. I want people to feel cared for and have opportunities to change, get help, and get better. Not just be stuck in their issues.

Mental health has been associated with every path I have taken in life from as a kid to my career in the present day. I am a law enforcement officer, a Marine, a husband, a devout member of my church and soon to be a father. The stress of life from social to deep inner thoughts will challenge how we develop and our self-awareness will determine our growth. One of my church leaders once emphasized the principle that we choose everything, from how we act, think and move every day. How we react to situations and perceive events. We are the deciders of our emotions when we go to the basics and focusing on self-awareness of your mental health is key to your life goals, plans to develop in life and your overall joy while on this journey of life. I have personally been working on this as my wife is over halfway through her pregnancy, I am young in my law enforcement career, have responsibilities in my church and within the Marines as a Corporal and going through the process of paying for school and our very first house. My mental health and positive outlook have been maintained through my persistence in focusing on physical, social and intellectual growth and sustainment. First, physical health is one of the easiest habits to avoid. It is easier to break a habit than to maintain it. Through almost daily exercise and the consumption of healthier foods and avoiding fast foods, I have been able to sustain good sleeping habits, energy levels and overall positive self-views. Physical health and habits are shown to directly affect our daily performance in life. Anger, depression, sadness, irritability, lack of self-confidence, and jealousy, are all signs of poor mental health which are correctable through good habits of exercise and consumption. Second, social and spiritual health. Having faith of some kind, not even religious, is essential for learning how to be more effective in self-evaluation and having a purpose in life. Mentally we deteriorate if we feel we have no purpose. So, I actively maintain my attendance at my church and have responsibilities that include being assigned to certain families or individuals to care for them and their needs as well. This has gotten me out of only thinking about myself, times of doubt about life and loneliness and purpose. Being social and having positive social interactions have been linked in studies of rabbits to create better mental health which increases longevity. Third, intellectual strength. Your mind needs physical care and its benefits from being used in social environments but if you stop your mental learning you can develop a lower understanding of life, work, how things work or how to function better in your personal life. I do this through my effort to do college, having a goal of reading 12 books a year, trying new habits or construction projects around the house and other such classes in the area that make me stretch my brain's capacity and comfortability. Through my active efforts of exercising, reading, having people over, attending church activities and recreational habits and continuing education, I have been able to strengthen my mental health. Building my resilience to financial strain, relationship strain with my wife, work stress and handling workloads and responsibilities that in the past would have made me crumple under stress and depression. I have now learned how to better respond, react, think and have overall confidence, and self-care that I used to not be present in my life. I also seek to teach these things to others.

“Love one another. As I have loved you.” Nolan Coleman Ever since I was young my church has had community service opportunities, the boy scouts as well and within school organizations. Although I did feel good about helping, I never really understood the significance of these events until later in life. For a long time, I was not the man I wanted to be and struggled within myself with suicidal tendencies. It was not until I truly started following Christ that my mind changed and understanding of the world changed. His love inspired me to make sure others felt that love in their life as well. After high school, despite being appalled by going to church all my life, I decided to go on a two year full-time, proselyting and community service mission for my church. God has saved my life and now I wanted others to know that they can survive this life as well. During this time, I did yard work for those who couldn’t, blessings for children with cancer and tumors, adults in hospitals, worked at foodbanks and habitat for humanities and told people that I do care about them and strived everyday to show people that there is at least one person in the world that loves them. I currently volunteer at my local congregation as a young men’s advisor, which means I assist with activities and teaching lessons and helping the young men learn important skills and knowledge for the future. Outside of regular service in everyday life, I also work as a police officer in Wichita, KS and I currently serve in the United States Marines as well. My career choices are in direct connection to my desire to be in a spot to be in close contact with those in need. Christ has led me to want to serve his children. I am a man of duty; this means when I know my purpose that it is what I always strive to do. I strive to reach out to those that I can see are having a hard time in any aspect of life from emotions to help with resumes. For my future I have desires to further my career in criminal justice, the Marines, volunteering at my church, teaching or assisting with a JROTC program at a high school, starting a scholarship program associated with military and first responders as well. I also love to volunteer still, at food banks mainly. I have in the past been raised to serve others and through my life now I have set my path to only be of service to others to be an example to others. Some one who strives to obtain the attributes of Christ. I believe in changing how we view each other and service will do that and it will also increase when we all learn to view each other as equal no matter what our past or circumstances.

The Effect of Mental Illness Nolan Coleman I will start with the history of mental illness on my father’s side of the family. Obviously, there are people who suffer on both sides of one’s family, mine tends to come directly from my father’s side. He is one of eleven children of which almost all of them suffer from issues regarding bipolar issues and depression. This was passed on to myself and my three older brothers. Due to his bipolar disorder and severe depression my father has fought hard to serve his family but brought strong mood swings and contention with us all. Often not wanting to be around us if he was angry or depressed, quick to do either. Also, it is easy to start an argument with or to start yelling, making my brothers and I quicker in our social lives. We did not understand our father’s struggles until we grew older and had more understanding. While I was growing up, I had issues with bipolar disorder as well and as well in my life today. My issues manifest more as anger issues and suicidal thoughts, hard to keep friendships or connection with others and my attempted suicide attempt after graduating high school. I did not know how to cope with these issues until about 19-20 years old. I was able through effort and practice to better work with the lesser of the extreme emotions. Which was my depression. I began being able to live everyday and not ponder why I am here. I have had difficulty keeping jobs and making strong financial decisions until recently due to my extreme excitement at times and then riding a hard low of my bipolar emotions no matter what the outcome of the situation. I have turned to religion mainly and study of past family events to better understand my emotions and actions in order to overcome this struggle. I have gotten better at recognizing these times but still struggle to get over them. Often putting a lot of weight on my wife. Now, the emotional disorders I inherited from the family past have not caused any of us to be abused or abuse anyone else or anything close to that. In fact, we are all overly aware of our issues which can make us more sensitive if someone points one of these issues out. My brothers and myself have suffered in day-to-day life for our lives so far. We try our best to be better and overcome this challenge but often weigh heavy on our wives and friends. This has allowed me to want to be more in public service and try my best to show mercy and kindness to though suffering any mental illness. I have had contact with minds affected by drugs, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, depression and countless issues but I always feel compassion due to it not being something we can control. I wish to use my degree to put myself in higher positions in my career in order to better be a spokesperson for these issues.

"Love Without End, Amen" written by Aaron Barker and sung by George Straight, is about the love of a father for his son, no matter what the situation or acts that they have performed. This is related to his father and then himself as a father and then finally God's love for his children and how it is without end. This song came into my life when I was struggling with addiction and in turn depression. A very simple, yet profound song for the sinner, showing that you are never too far gone from the love of god. After first hearing this song, I found clarity in my relationship with God and in return in how I treat myself. This realization that I am never alone or too far from my heavenly father has allowed me to overcome addiction, and depression and most importantly, share it with others. Through this story, the father figure is teaching the son that a father's love is love without end. Therefore, it was just as important for me to go out and share that message of always being cared for, with others in my life as well.

To whom it may concern, My name is Nolan Coleman and the main thing in my life are my relationship with God, my role as a husband and future father, and my continued service as a United States Marine. I will be adding the title of Wichita City Police Officer in January when I start the academy. I am studying online at Southern New Hampshire University in Criminal Justice in order to develop my knowledge and ability to make a difference in my country and within my community. I have served as a leader as an Eagle Scout, Commanding officer of my high school, Annapolis NJROTC program, and as a rifle team commander. After high school, I followed Gods plan for me and went on a two year church service and proselyting mission in Sacramento, California. We focused of preaching of Christ, serving our neighbors and planning service projects and helping at local food banks as well. I served in leadership for over 18 months of the 24 months, working to create goals, standards and excellence within my fellow missionaries. This was fulltime and required dedication to our beliefs and a strong work ethic and resilience to go out everyday and face the tediousness of doing the almost same routine everyday for two years. Within the Marine Corps, I am a Corporal. As an Non Commissioned Officer of Marines is a big role to acquire and one I do not take lightly. I have personally lost a Marine to Suicide and another to Drug addiction. This has led me to focus mainly, in my style of leadership, on the welfare of my Marines and subsequently those I meet everyday in life. I also have to utilize communication and delegation when we preform our training operations. People can easily work less effectively when communication from the leader is harsh or without care for them. My MOS of 1391, Bulk Fuel Specialist, requires efficiency as we move and lay out portable fuel sites and fuel aircraft and land vehicles. This requires hard work and an effective team that can communicate well in crunch time. I currently work as a security officer at a local mall, where I live, as I wait to start my police career in January. We often deal with homeless, mentally ill, and youth. These groups require more understanding and tactfulness when involved in a situation. This job has greatly increased my skills in communication for such reasons. My life has been filled with leadership roles, desire to be better and the most important giving up as much of myself in the benefit of others. I seek to assist my country, community and family through my work and personal interactions. I have been resilient through ruthless training and opposition to who I am and what I believe and stand true to what is true. I have no greater desire than to continue to develop the traits of a leader and especially that of a selfless friend of all I meet.