Purpose became my guide

My life has more downs than ups, I was a product of foster care in my early years as my mother had been in and out of the mental ward at the local hospital in Columbus Ohio. My father had never been apart of my life due to an early divorce. My baby sister who still resides in Columbus, was a high light in my life as she has received letters of accommodations from two Presidents of the United States, one for her service in the USAF and the other for her service to our returning veterans for seeking the most cost-effective medicines so the vets could fully recover from their wounds. She still works for the VA today, as for our mother she has passed on.

I had a brother who also made a name for himself who also served in the USAF he made quite the splash when the family saw him on television protecting the Ayatollah in his visit to the United States. Unfortunately, my brother's life didn't end well as he had made several poor decisions that would follow him to his end where brain cancer took him. We all have freedom of choice, how we use that freedom determines our success or failure.

I being the firstborn, learned during my fifteenth year that my mother had decided to break up the family and will us to an unknown family in Washington State that we had never met, let that sink in for just a moment. My mother has been diagnosed with terminal cancer is what had made this her hasty decision based on fear. This would separate me from my sister for the next 5 years. I was already making a name for myself as a freshman in the local school is on the swim team and basketball team. Now to be told during the end of my school year that we were moving to Washington and had nothing to say about it. I took that news and kept it to myself and reluctantly never told my friends, goodbyes were just too difficult.

I completed my high school and then found something that would alter my course in life and give meaning to all of the pitfalls I had been accustomed to. I found JESUS and would bury myself in learning I all could so that I could render some form of rationality to what my mother had done to us. I had determined in myself that there had to be some good to come out of all this misery I had been thrown into from my early years to the present in my sixteenth year. Oh how the years appeared to drag out.

Fast forward to the year of 2005, my youngest son had just reached graduation from high school and announced he had joined the US Army, this would set my purpose into motion once and for all. My son had shared with me during basic at Ft. Leonardwood that his company was sharing between 150 recruits 5 pair of kneepads, he asked if I could send him some of mine which were strapless and gel-filled in the center of the kneecap. I had formed a relationship with former Congressman Norm Dicks Rt. I met with the Congressman and showed him what I had invented and he suggested I meet with a freshman congressman named Adam Smith and with that meeting everything appeared to be put into motion. I had shared with the Congressman my son's concern and the Congressman asked if I had any suggestions? I replied I would send a half dozen to my son's company at which the Congressman said that would be fine. It was then I realized why not send a total of 150 pairs? The Congressman said that the DOD would not pay for them without testing and field evaluations. I then asked if I could just donate them? It would turn out to be the best 25,000.00 dollars I had ever given away. You see I did this out love for my son and his love for his brothers. I would soon be receiving a call from Soldier PEO and Natick both of whom I never knew existed until this event had transpired. I also must tell you another event that happened concerning this event. I had received a phone call from Ft. Leanardwood from my sons Sargeant, The congressman had shared with me that to get the 150 pairs of kneepads on to the base I had to send them all to my son which consisted of a dozen boxes. You can imagine now why the Sargent called me when he saw all of the boxes arrive at the same time. His question was Mr. Moore, have you disowned your son? I replied no Sir, please open one of the boxes, I will wait. I heard the box open and to the Sargent's amazement, he asked what were they? I shared with him my son's concern about the kneepad sharing throughout the exercises of boot camp. I instructed the Sargent on how to put them on. He was pleased and thanked me and I thought that would be the end of it all. I soon had a call from the Base Commander inquiring about the series of events that lead to the gift of the 150 pairs of kneepads. After finishing all of the story I was asked if I would be attending the graduation of my son's commencement? I had agreed and would be meeting the commander face to face to be thanked. I didn't do this for any recognition I did it because I cared.

Fast forward to current times, I have been blessed over and over during this time of my life. You see the lives of those who protect us have a deeper meaning then words can express. Now comes the Purpose I was put on this earth for. I went from strapless kneepads to the current armor I produce today. GOD has richly blessed me with some of the world's best protection ever created. I have met the recruits up to 4-star generals to show and demonstrate MITgel armor. I have also participated with special forces just in the last year in Iraq. One item of great importance if you think for one minute you will get rich in this business, think again. I have given beyond measure and have done it solely because they continue to put their lives ahead of mine. I haven't made money in this business but I have made many life long friends. You never know whose life you will touch or come into contact with when you are fulfilling your purpose. GOD has always provided that I can attest to here and when I meet HIM face to face. If I had it to do all over I would have done things differently but then the lives I have come in contact with may have never happened. I would like to thank GOD first, HE always knows before we ever do, Thanks to Mom who did what she thought was best. Thank's to COngressman Dicks Smith and Heck. Senator Murray and Cantwell. Thanks to Col. Norwood, Major Redfield Soldier PEO, General's Oscar Hilman US Army, General Skip Vincent USAF, and lastly General Eric Olson Admiral USNavy. All of these fine men and women I have met face to face and shared my admiration for their love of country. They gave their all so I could give my best.

I hope this inspires those who are now at the entrance of their own Purpose. I have fought the battle and I can say without any doubt I did it the way GOD lead me.