Proudly Sending Him to Serve

This Monday morning, our family’s story takes another turn in a book already heavy with legacy, service, and faith.

Our son, Jayden, will officially ship out to the military. This is not something we pushed him into, nor a choice made in the shadow of expectation. This was his decision; fully his, and that alone makes us proud. In our family, we believe in walking into the fight, not away from it. Jayden chose this path because it’s in his blood, in his heart, and in the way we’ve all been raised to stand for something greater than ourselves.

For Brandi and me, this moment is both joyful and heavy. We’ve spent years pouring ourselves into the Tactical Family programs we lead; helping military and first responder families navigate the unique challenges that come with service. We’ve counseled countless spouses, parents, and children through the mix of pride, sacrifice, and anxiety that comes when a loved one serves in any uniform. And now, here we are, living what we’ve so often taught.

Jayden in 2021... maybe we ALL knew...

The world today is uncertain. We are living in a new and trying time; geopolitically, socially, and spiritually. As parents, we are anxious for our son’s safety. But we are also confident. Confident in our God, who goes before him; confident in our country, which, despite her struggles, still produces young men and women willing to raise their right hand; and confident in Jayden, who has been preparing for this in ways he may not even realize.

We will be praying for him daily (fervently). But our prayers will go beyond him. We will pray for every young man and woman stepping forward right now, whether joining the military, law enforcement, or agencies like ICE, which are seeing a surge of new recruits. We will pray for decision-makers, from the local command level all the way to leaders like Pete Hegseth and President Trump because leadership matters more than ever in times like these.

There is a movement happening. Despite what the headlines often want us to believe, there’s a rising tide of pride in America again. There is a generation refusing to accept a narrative of decline and instead choosing to serve, protect, and preserve.

To every parent standing where Brandi and I are today, watching your child step into service… know this: you are not alone. The pride, the lump in your throat, the anxious prayers, the knowledge that your child is becoming part of something bigger than themselves… we share that with you.

Jayden, we are proud beyond words. Your family stands behind you, your God goes before you, and your country is better because of you.