Today we’d like to introduce you to Edward Crawford.
Edward, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Well, it has been quite the journey. Born and raised in good ol’ Upstate Louisiana, I never imagined where life would take me. But I’ll tell ya, it’s been a heck of a wild ride.
It all started when I signed up for the Peace Corps at fresh out of college. Off I went to the Dominican Republic, near Haiti, where life was about as different as you could imagine from back home. I found myself in this little town called Los Blancos, working alongside farmers, getting my hands dirty, and losing a good 40 pounds to tropical fever and other sicknesses along the way. But you know what? It was there, in the simplicity of life and the struggles of the community, that I found my calling—to help others and be part of a team.
Fast forward a bit, and I found myself serving in Afghanistan as a Naval Intelligence Officer. Leaving my wife and kids behind just six days after my son was born? One of the hardest things I have every done emotionally. And then there were the missions and thinks that didn’t go as plan and amazing men that did not make it back. I learned how tough and committed our U.S. Military leaders are and was honored to have the opportunity to serve alongside them.