Josh Church, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a candidate for Lieutenant Governor, shares his experiences from nine years of service. He served with the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion and later in Marine Special Operations, deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. Church’s military journey was deeply rooted in family tradition, with a lineage of service dating back to the Civil War.

Choosing the Marine Corps for its reputation as the toughest branch, Church sought to challenge himself. He quickly learned that the Marines and war strip life down to essentials, teaching lessons in fatigue, discomfort, fear, responsibility, and teamwork. These experiences shaped his life, emphasizing that confidence is earned through competence.

Church faced numerous challenges, from enduring extreme conditions to making critical decisions under stress. He learned that despite giving everything, sometimes it is not enough to bring everyone home. This realization underscored the importance of wise leadership to avoid unnecessary wars, as the costs are borne by ordinary people.

Addressing young Americans, Church advocates for embracing challenges voluntarily. He believes that modern society often promotes comfort, but true growth comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Service, in any form, teaches responsibility, accountability, discipline, and teamwork, revealing both strengths and weaknesses.

Church’s reflections are part of a series inspired by veterans sharing their stories. He encourages others to share their military experiences, highlighting the value of real curiosity and informed conversation over shallow gratitude.

Original reporting: Must Read Alaska (Anchorage) — read the source article.