My first post. Im looking forward to adding a new perspective to this awesome community.

So to start off, My name is William Rodriguez. I am a Three-time Iraq combat veteran, public speaker, dyslexic and entrepreneur. I am always looking for new and exciting ways to share ideas and make money. Several months ago one of my clients got me interested in blockchain technologies and cryptocurrencies. As i was obsessivly researching and studying all that I could, I came across @JerryBanfield's videos on youtube and signed up for his online university. This was a few months ago when he first started piching Steem as the best thing to ever hit the internet. I hope he is right!

As I mentioned above, I am a 3 time Iraq combat veteran. That experience has reshaped and impacted my life for both the good and the bad. There is nothing good or ok about war, but what I am talking about is the impact on the individuals that fight, the trauma and growth that comes along with being involved with such an experiance. While it broke me down and put me in terrible situations, it also taught me valuable lessons which I will discuss in future posts. I truly believe regardless of the difficulties that we face, that we can use those experiences to grow. With the help of strong communities, support and mentorship even the most difficult situations can be used as a positive.

Several years after I got out of the military, when I was at my lowest point the Universe presented me with an interesting opportunity and brought in scenarios and individuals that would forever change my life. One such moment was when I was meeting with a mentor to discuss how I was going to manage my PTSD while going through a divorce. He was meeting with some filmmakers doing an interview and introduced them to me. Before long, I was in front of the camera telling my story. several weeks later I received a call from the filmmakers asking me if I wanted to travel with them to Pine Ridge Lakota Sioux Reservation In South Dakota in order to participate in a Lakota Sioux Warrior reintegration Ceremony complete with sweat lodges and wild horse roundup. I agreed and it was an incredible life-changing experience (worthy of its own post). After returning home, I went on and returned to my normal life. 18 months later, everything would change. The film was going to debut in new york city and I was asked to be apart of the event. The film was titled "Thank you for your Service". It focuses on transitional difficulties that Many Veterans go through after return home from combat.

Since the film has been released, I have dedicated my time to traveling around speaking to colleges, communities and elected offficals about the issues that many Veterans are facing including suicide.

This cause has given me a new indentity, mission, meaning and purpose. I will keep everyone posted on things as we move forward.

I look forward to participating in this community, sharing perspectrives and stories. I believe that we can all learn from each other. We just have to be willing to listen and vulnerable enough to share.

With Graditude,
William