Born and raised in Eastern Connecticut, I attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy where I received a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Transportation and Security, a 3rd Mate Unlimited Tonnage Merchant Mariner License, and a commission as an Ensign in the United States Coast Guard. I was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina for two years as a Deck Watcher Officer, Combat Information Center Officer, and Interdiction Control officer onboard the USCGC HAMILTON, where we took part in the counter-narcotic interdiction efforts in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. After a year as the Deputy Intelligence Officer at Sector Long Island Sound, I transitioned into the Coast Guard Reserve so that I could focus on continuing my education and start a new career as a security consultant.

“Having the opportunity to be a part of this I2P program was a great way to finish my certificate program at the Citadel. I was able to use all of the knowledge and skills that I have gained in critical thinking, analytical writing, and public speaking/communication. The program has allowed for our class to truly be a force for good and make a real-world difference that I did not think I would be a part of while working through my graduate classes.” - Taylor

Having been a former active-duty service member that transitioned into the civilian world, I have seen first-hand the process that members go through. Throughout this entire project, we have heard first-hand accounts from veterans on their transition stories and how a program like ours would most certainly have helped them during the process. We were so fortunate to be able to create this initiative and partner with so many great organizations and entities to not only bring awareness to the difficulties associated with transitioning service members, but also take the initial steps to make that transition easier.