Standing Outside the Fire

As we wrap up another empowering week, a line from Garth Brooks' song keeps playing in my mind - "Life is not tried, it is merely survived if you're standing outside the fire." It resonates deeply, not just with my journey but with the spirit of our entire AllegiantVets team. This week, particularly, has been a true illustration of what it means to not just stand by the fire, but to dance in its flames. A special shout out to our "Bubbly Squad" Tearani Stockton and Anna Sprissler for keeping us spirited and motivated, you are both rockstars and pillars of our team!

This week's Empowerment Week, hosted by our very own Tynissha N. Cromer , was nothing short of amazing. We focus on delivering the right resources and opportunities to our service members, helping them transition smoothly into civilian life. The success of this event wasn't just in the resources shared but in the collective effort, the shared determination, and the unwavering support we provided each other.

Reflecting on the AllegiantVets journey, I'm reminded of our shift from providing action-tracked wheelchairs to severely wounded service members to diving head-first into creating a Skillbridge program as a cornerstone of our mission. It was a pivot that required stepping right into the fire, embracing the heat, the risks, and the potential burns. And yes, we've had our share of challenges and have been burned along the way.

But, as we've learned, greatness doesn't come from waiting on the sidelines for the 'perfect' opportunity. It comes from stepping out of our comfort zones, daring to embrace the unknown, and being willing to dance in the flames. That's what we did with our Skillbridge program, and look where it has brought us today - changing the very way service members exit the military.

This week's empowerment sessions highlighted something crucial: the time to act is always now. We saw many of you take that bold step, seizing opportunities that once seemed daunting. Remember, the perfect time doesn't exist; and complacency kills. If you want to achieve greatness and live a life filled with purpose and fulfillment, you have to be willing to take risks.

Our journey at AllegiantVETS is a testament to this philosophy. We've stepped into uncharted territories, embraced the new, and in doing so, we've created a community where veterans can find not just support but a path to a future they dream of.

But let's not forget, that none of this would be possible without each and every one of you. It's your courage, your resilience, and your willingness to embrace the fire that fuels our mission. This week, I saw veterans supporting veterans, sharing experiences, and offering guidance. That's the power of our community – a force that not only withstands the heat but thrives in it.

As we look forward to the coming weeks, let's carry the energy of this empowerment week with us. Let's continue to be bold, to challenge the status quo, and to support each other in our individual and collective journeys. Remember, every step you take outside your comfort zone is a step towards a future filled with possibilities.

So, as we continue our march forward, let's not just survive outside the fire – let's thrive in its warmth and light. This is your moment, your opportunity to seize everything you've been dreaming about.

As we head into the weekend, I want to remind you that at AllegiantVETS, you're never alone. We're here, standing shoulder to shoulder with you, ready to support you as you dance in the flames of opportunity. Here's to new beginnings, brave journeys, and the incredible future that awaits us all.

Always by your side,

Marcus Haney