My ethical values are based on an upbringing in the Lutheran Church, service in the United States Marine Corps and formal education through The Defense Language Institute, The George Washington University and Iowa State University. As a professional, I value truth, courage and service. As a citizen journalist, I have a duty to share challenging stories from my community. The stories must speak to a greater, well-documented version of the truth, even if such stories erode corrupt power structures. As a disabled, transgender veteran, I know firsthand the darkest sides of the human condition. Compassion, Grace and Justice are the highest values I hold. As a linguist in the Global War on Terror, I came to realize that the humanity in my enemies was every bit as divine as the spark in my heart and the hearts of my comrades. I have to believe that all people are deserving of compassion and grace and that justice must be pursued in a proactive manner to prevent violent conflict in the future.