November 11th is Veterans Day, and we’re honoring the remarkable contributions of individuals who served in our industry all month long. Learn more about their inspiring stories and insights by reading below.

Q: Which military branch did you serve in, where were you stationed, and how long did you serve?

A: I enlisted in the Utah National Guard in 2008 as a parachute rigger, launching a 15-year journey in Army Special Operations. Most of my service was with the 19th Special Forces Group, supporting airborne missions and deploying twice to Afghanistan and once to Korea. I also took part in assignments across Uganda, Thailand, and Germany.

Q: What motivated you to join the military?

A: After 9/11, I felt a deep calling to serve. I’d always dreamed of becoming a pilot, so I joined the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Utah. When a vision test disqualified me from the pilot track, I pivoted. If I couldn’t fly planes, I decided I’d jump out of them instead!

Q: How has your military service influenced your career trajectory in the vacation ownership industry?

A: Interestingly, the same year I enlisted in the Utah National Guard, I also began my career at MVW. From that point on, my military path and professional journey grew in tandem. MVW has consistently supported my service—making it possible to balance deployments, training, and career growth. That support has been pivotal, and I’m looking forward to many future years with the company.