Jordan and his grandpa, United States Coast Guard Veteran

Because They Served

My grandpa served in the Coast Guard years ago.

He doesn’t talk about it much, but when he does, it’s usually with that mix of pride and humility that veterans seem to carry so naturally. There’s never a trace of bragging in his stories, just steady gratitude for the people he served alongside and the country he helped protect.

I grew up hearing bits and pieces about his time in the service, and even now, when I see an American flag rippling in the wind, I think about him. I think about all the men and women who’ve put on a uniform, raised their right hand, and said they’d protect this country, not because it’s easy, but because they believed in America and what it stands for.

I’ve always admired that kind of courage.

That willingness to do something bigger than yourself, to stand for something that matters, even when it costs you something.

The Freedom They Fought For

I love history. If you catch me scrolling through my phone, I’m probably watching a video about American history, war strategy, or a story about a historical figure I’ve never heard of before. There’s something about learning how ordinary people rose to the occasion that pulls me in every time.

But Veterans Day isn’t just about history.

It’s about people, people who left home, missed holidays, and faced unthinkable fear so that we could live freely.

Because of them, I get to chase big dreams.

I get to write these blogs, build a nonprofit, go to church, speak my mind, and live without fear of being silenced. I get to live in the greatest country in the world, flawed and complicated, yes, but free.

That freedom isn’t an accident.

It was fought for. It was protected. It was earned by those who served.

The Call to Serve

I’ve always wanted to join the Coast Guard. For years, I’ve felt that tug, the sense that maybe I was made to serve in that way. I’ve been talked out of it more than once, and I get it. It’s not an easy path, and it’s not something to take lightly. But that desire is still there.

Maybe that’s because, in a way, I’m already drawn to the same spirit that drives every veteran, to serve, protect, and make a difference. Whether it’s through the Coast Guard, through Leaders of Today, or just how I show up in my everyday life, I want to live with that same courage and discipline my grandpa modeled.

That’s what I think Veterans Day is really about: not just remembering what they did, but learning from how they lived.

Leading with Gratitude

Veterans teach us something every leader should know, real strength looks like service.

That courage isn’t loud.

That leadership means putting others before yourself.

Today, I’m thankful for every veteran who’s worn the uniform and for every family who’s sacrificed right alongside them.

You’ve given us more than safety. You’ve given us freedom. The freedom to choose, to build, to dream, to live without fear.

So to my grandpa — thank you.

To every veteran — thank you.

To the ones who never made it home — we will never forget you.

Because you served, we are free.

And I pray we live lives worthy of that freedom.

Putting It into Practice

Veterans Day isn’t just about gratitude — it’s a reminder to live differently because of the freedom we’ve been given. Here are a few ways to carry that forward:

Thank a Veteran. Don’t let your gratitude stay silent. Reach out to someone who’s served — a friend, a neighbor, a family member — and simply say, “Thank you.” It matters more than you know.
Live with Gratitude. Let thankfulness show up in your daily life — in how you talk to people, how you lead, and how you treat the opportunities you’ve been given.
Serve Where You Are. You don’t need a uniform to serve. Volunteer, mentor, or just show up for someone who needs help. Service is a posture, not a position.
Protect What’s Worth Fighting For. Freedom isn’t just a national value — it’s a personal responsibility. Guard your integrity, your time, your faith, and your character.
Lead with Courage. Every act of service starts with a decision to do what’s right, not what’s easy. Step into that kind of leadership wherever you are — at work, at home, in your community.

Freedom is a gift. The best way to honor it is to use it well.

Because They Served