As we honor veterans and military families this month, I’m reminded of a distinct memory of a Veteran’s Day celebration I attended in Washington, D.C. as a young teenager and the profound impact that it had on me. My father served 30 years in the Air Force and was always good about sharing “the why” behind his decision to serve, the importance of giving back, and that I should never take freedom for granted. Without question, these conversations, along with the military events and celebrations I attended with him, laid the groundwork for me joining the Navy at 17 years old, which began my own 23-year journey of Naval service.

I started out as a photographer and later joined the Special Operations community as a U.S. Navy DeepSea Diver, assigned to Navy Seal teams, the Naval Underwater Photo team, and several other shipboard assignments. Following that, I was commissioned as a Naval Officer and served my final 10 years of active duty with the Office of Naval Intelligence as a technical advisor to the CIA.

It was during my time in the intelligence community that I walked into a conference room and observed a large photograph with an inscription I’ll never forget. It stated: “For those who fight for it, freedom has a special flavor the protected will never know.” That moment has stayed with me and always will. All who served before me, with me, and after me now—they understand the privilege of freedom, and that freedom is NOT free. Just one look at recent world events drives that message home.

From one veteran to another, I want to say thank you for your service, and for protecting the freedoms that we all enjoy. Happy Veterans and Military Families Month!