About The Owner

Birthdate: 27 August 76

Birthplace:  Patterson, New Jersey 

Unfavorable Circumstances led my youngest brother and I into the foster care system at ages 3 and 4.  In 1985 we were adopted and started a new life in Red Bank, NJ. My father was a Pop Warner football coach so naturally, I was drawn to playing football. My positions were full back, defensive end, and outside linebacker. I was good at playing football, earning  most improved player and most valuable player trophies. In the late 80s, my mother and father began going through marital issues. This led to a divorce in the early 90s. Around this time football was no longer my focus. I was more interested in making rap music while being inspired by EPMD, NWA, LL Cool J, Tribe Called Quest, and Public Enemy. I also found myself deep in street culture , causing trouble, fighting rivals, and evading the police.  It wasn’t long before I found myself in jail, in court, and on probation. After my girlfriend told me she was pregnant I was determined to do better. I figured joining the Army would be a good idea. My recruiter helped me beat a case by convincing the judge I was taking steps to improve. 

I had a rough start to my Army career getting in trouble and fighting with other Soldiers in Basic and Advanced Individual Training. My failure to conform to military standards led to summarized article 15s, flags and bars to reenlistment. A divorce led to heavy drinking, often drinking until I passed out. I was fortunate to have strong leaders who motivated me to do better.  I started getting better at my job and used physical training as a tool to help me get ahead. Once I figured out how to convert negative energy to positive energy my life and military career got a lot better. In 2017, MJ West Solutions was established with the mission to promote mental and physical health. Our goal is to improve quality of life through health and wellness.

 

 Time In Service

23 Years from February 1996 - January 2019

MOS: 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic 

 

Units: 

10th Mountain Division (710Th BSB, 3-71CAV  1-32 IN, 2-87 IN). 

Positions: Section Sgt, Platoon Sgt, Battalion Motor Sergeant, Maintenance Control SGT

 11 ADA BDE (5-52 BN)

Position: 1SG E Co 5-52  1SG HHD 5-52 

 3ID 2BDE

1SG D Co 6-8 Cavalry 

 240 BN. 19th Qm

 11th ACR

 406 BN 

Deployments:  Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey 

Awards and Decorations:

3 Meritorious Service Medals; 6 Army Commendation Medals; 5 Army Achievement Medals; Combat Action Badge 

Hard Ships:

 Lost my father to diabetes in 2006 (while 

deployed)

Challenges/ Struggles 

Paranoia

Anxiety 

Depression