When people debate how tax dollars are spent, the military often comes up in the conversation. Some wonder if the investment is worth it, while others stand firm in their support. As someone who served 24 years in the U.S. Navy, I can confidently say that taxpayer dollars didn’t just fund wars, weapons, and bases—they helped shape lives, including mine.
Education: A Degree in Opportunity
One of the most significant ways tax dollars supported me was through education. I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees while serving, thanks to the tuition assistance and GI Bill programs. Without this financial support, pursuing higher education while working full-time and serving my country would have been a massive challenge. Instead, I was able to advance my knowledge in business and entrepreneurship, setting myself up for success beyond the military.
Building Skills: From Lean Six Sigma to Leadership
Beyond traditional education, tax-funded military training allowed me to gain expertise in Lean Six Sigma, earning my White, Yellow, Green, and Black Belts. These methodologies, focused on efficiency, process improvement, and problem-solving, became invaluable—not only in my military career but also in my transition to the civilian world.
The military also honed my leadership skills. I managed over eight recruiting offices and more than 80 recruiters, ensuring that young men and women were given the same opportunities I had. Taxpayer-funded training and leadership courses shaped me into a mentor, problem solver, and strategist—skills that continue to serve me today.
Creativity & Entrepreneurship: The Unexpected Benefits
People often see the military as rigid and structured, but for me, it was also a gateway to creativity. The discipline and strategic thinking I developed allowed me to become a nine-time author, using my personal experiences to write books that inspire and educate others.
Beyond writing, my military career gave me the confidence to pursue acting, blogging, and entrepreneurship. From managing my travel business to working in film and TV, the foundation I built in the Navy—funded by tax dollars—helped make these dreams a reality.
Paying It Forward: The Next Generation of Sailors
Perhaps the most fulfilling aspect of my service was the ability to give back. As a Navy recruiter and leader, I helped countless young men and women embark on their own journeys, just as I had years before. The opportunities I was given weren’t just for me—they became stepping stones for others, funded by a system designed to invest in people.
Final Thoughts
So, when people ask, “Is that what our tax dollars go toward?” my answer is simple: Yes, and it changes lives. Military funding isn’t just about defense—it’s about education, skill-building, leadership, and giving people the tools to create a future beyond the uniform.
I am living proof! Because YOUR tax dollars didn’t go to waste!!!!