As Boothbay Harbor prepares to celebrate the 64th annual Windjammer Days, this year’s theme proudly honors the past, present, and retired members of the United States Navy who have served our nation with dedication and distinction. Throughout the coming weeks, we will feature a series of profiles highlighting local Navy service members—sharing their stories, experiences, and the lasting impact of their service. These articles are a tribute to the men and women whose commitment to duty reflects the maritime heritage at the heart of Windjammer Days and the deep appreciation of our community. Unfortunately not all current or former Navy service members in the area can be individually featured. To have a Navy veteran or active-duty member mentioned on the Windjammer Days webpage, please email Friends of Windjammers (www.boothbayharborwindjammerdays.org). Please include name and rank.

What inspired me to join the U.S. Navy was a combination of patriotism, the desire for a true challenge, and the influence of two brothers from my hometown, Jason and Matt Higgins, who had gone before me into the SEAL Teams. Seeing people from our small community accomplish something so demanding showed me what was possible. Their example motivated me to follow in their footsteps and pursue a path that required complete dedication, resilience, and commitment to something greater than myself.

I enlisted after graduating from college, during a time when I was searching for direction and looking for a purpose driven career. I wanted to test myself physically, mentally, and emotionally plus serve in a way that pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. The Navy, and specifically the SEAL community, offered exactly that. Becoming a SEAL is not simply a job; it is a calling that demands every part of who you are.

During my time in the Navy, I served as a Navy SEAL and also specialized as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC). My service took me across the Middle East, the Pacific, and Europe, supporting missions alongside teammates who remain some of the finest individuals I’ve ever known. The training and deployments taught me more about discipline, leadership, and teamwork than any classroom ever could.

One experience that stands out in my memory is Hell Week, widely considered one of the most challenging evolutions in military training. It pushes candidates to their absolute limits. The physical exhaustion and mental strain are unlike anything else, but the purpose behind it is clear: real world operations can last for days with little or no rest, and the Teams must know you can endure hardship, stay focused, and support your teammates through anything. Hell Week is not about punishment, it’s about preparation.

My time in the SEAL Teams shaped who I am in every aspect of my life. The team first mindset I learned there guides the way I lead and work with others today. The discipline to keep moving forward, even through failure, is something I carry into my personal and professional life. Integrity and accountability remain core values, and I believe my reputation built through work ethic and character is my most valuable currency. If I could share one message with young people considering a Navy career, it would be this: it’s about heart. Service teaches perspective, humility, and strength. If you are willing to give everything you have, the Navy can give you a purpose and a foundation that lasts a lifetime.

Above all, I want to honor those we lost, express gratitude for the support I’ve received, and recognize the pride I have in my Maine roots and the values this community gave me.