(1) This past Independence Day had special significance for me — while I was deployed to the Horn of Africa working as a Civil Affairs officer in support of a Special Operations mission to go after al-Qaeda affiliated jihadists, I was promoted…

(2) …to Lieutenant Colonel on the 4th of July. The ceremony was quiet and informal. No fanfare. Just a handful of fellow soldiers present, and an opportunity for me to reflect on the great privilege I feel…

(3) …in wearing the cloth of this country, a deep appreciation for the freedoms we cherish, and the solemn oath to defend those freedoms that I’ve committed my life to. #FREEDOM