Move Freely: Living By Military and Family Values
I grew up surrounded by stories of honor, discipline, and service. Both of my grandfathers served in the U.S. military; one in the Army, the other in the Navy, and their lives left an indelible mark on me. Their legacy isn’t just about uniform or duty; it’s about the values they lived by, the lessons they passed down, and the example they set for how to live with integrity and purpose.
When my Army grandfather passed, we found a box of his old photos from the Korean War, along with love letters from Japanese women he met while stationed in Japan. Even decades later, his affection for that time shone through when he would greet waitresses in Japanese at restaurants, and it always made me laugh. This small detail told me a lot about who he was: disciplined yet warm, a man who carried the world he lived in wherever he went. I loved it.
Both grandfathers were named Jerry, an amusing coincidence that has made “Jerry” a nickname I now apply to my dad, too. We had a lot of Jerry's growing up. Their lessons shaped my mindset from an early age. One taught me about steady progress: adding one push-up a day, every day, until he built strength beyond measure. Simple but powerful. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained” he’d say. He always inspired me to take action.
The other lived by the motto, “If you want something done, give it to a busy person.” From him, I learned about efficiency, focus, and taking on responsibility without complaint. I thought this way. I trained this way. Even when he would cook, he was precise, or when he would watch a ball game, he’d call out sloppy play or a lack of hustle. He was a man of principle. He’d come to my ball games and watch and it always made me raise my standard.
Though I never served in the military myself, I honor that path by supporting those who do. At Orlean Fitness, many clients of mine are from the military. As a lifelong athlete, I recognize how the military mindset, discipline, honor, service, translates into every arena of life, from training to leadership. I deeply respect those who put themselves on the front lines, ready to sacrifice everything for our freedom.
So much of what I love about working with military members and veterans is the mutual respect they have for my service. There’s something uniquely fulfilling about how they report to me, consistently check in, share honest feedback, and embody a relentless commitment to continuous self-improvement. This dedication creates a partnership built on trust, accountability, and shared purpose, and it’s what makes my work with them truly rewarding. If the threat were ever real, I would stand ready alongside them. I mean it.
Leadership often goes unspoken. More is caught than taught. I was fortunate to be raised around men who lived American values of discipline, hard work, vision, and they led me to become who I am today. These lessons, handed down from the Jerry’s in my life, have been the foundation of my success and my commitment to excellence.
Honor means respect at the highest level. For those who serve in the military, I always make a point to say, “Thank you for your service,” and to listen. Hearing their stories, understanding their sacrifices, humbles me. Putting yourself on the line to protect others is the ultimate act of courage.
The values of honor, discipline, and sacrifice aren’t limited to the battlefield. They are the cornerstones of success in business, relationships, and fitness. The military environment is simply the most extreme example, where every decision can be a matter of life and death. That intensity teaches lessons that apply universally: be relentless, be diligent, and pursue excellence.
It’s vital that we never forget the cost of the freedoms we enjoy. America’s way of life, the opportunity to chase dreams, to “squeeze the juice” out of life, is protected by men and women willing to risk everything. We owe them more than gratitude; we owe them respect, support, and action.
Today’s military faces new challenges, from cyber warfare, social media influence, and deceptive tactics unknown in my grandfathers’ days among many other challenges beyond my knowledge. I am confident that with continued investment and innovation, the U.S. and its allies will meet these challenges head-on.
We must also face the heartbreaking reality of many veterans who come home to homelessness and inadequate healthcare. We want to be part of the solution, providing support and opportunities for those who have given so much. Whether you join our team, partner with us or let us support you in anyway, we look forward to great work together.
Connect with us today and let’s make moves.
My grandfathers’ legacy lives on in the work I do every day, training military members, supporting veterans, and building a brand grounded in integrity and leadership. Through consistency, hard work, and honor, I strive to reflect their values in everything I do. Their humor, their lessons, and their example remain close to me.
Whether you are currently serving, a veteran, or simply someone who loves this country, the lessons of honor, discipline, and sacrifice are available to you, too. Apply them to your life, and you will find they improve not only your results but also your character.
God bless America. And God bless those who serve.
