Honoring Our Heroes: Why I’m Passionate About Empowering Their Future

After just a few moments of meeting Christian Macklin, the Health and Wellness Director at South Metro Fire Rescue in Denver, Colorado, I knew I wanted to contribute in any way I could. With over three decades of experience in emergency response, Macklin is leading the charge on one of the most progressive and comprehensive wellness programs I’ve ever encountered. His vision for improving the well-being of his peers deeply moved me and inspired me to explore how I could support his mission.

While The Reboot Project™ isn’t a medical service designed to heal trauma, I saw how its approach could complement Macklin’s work—by helping his team members redefine themselves and map out their next chapter after service. It was through this connection that I met another incredible leader, Dan Corley.

Dan, like Macklin, has dedicated his life to emergency response. Since 1996, he’s served his community as a firefighter paramedic, with an impressive career that includes roles as a Rescue Diver, SWAT Medic, EMS Lieutenant, and now as the Peer Support Team Coordinator for South Metro Fire Rescue. From his post at Engine 43, Dan continues to serve with humility and dedication.

When I reflect on my own journey, one truth stands out: my profound respect and gratitude for the men and women who serve or have served in the military and as first responders. While I share this calling as one of them, their unwavering dedication, resilience, and sacrifice are unparalleled. Supporting these individuals is not just a privilege—it’s a responsibility. That’s why I’m so driven to help them design a future filled with purpose and passion.

I know firsthand the uncertainty that can come with transition. When life’s challenges pile up, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are and what you’re capable of. The pressures these heroes face—the constant danger, trauma, and selflessness—can leave them feeling disconnected from their true selves. Transitioning to civilian life is often fraught with questions about how to use the strength and skills they’ve gained in meaningful ways outside of service.

But here’s what I know for certain: these men and women are warriors. Their strength doesn’t fade when the uniform comes off—it’s still there, waiting to be unleashed toward new opportunities. My mission is to help them see that they have what it takes to create a life filled with clarity, purpose, and fulfillment, even after their service ends.

This is what drives me every day: helping our Heroes reconnect with their potential. Words of gratitude are not enough. These heroes deserve the tools, encouragement, and support to take the next step toward building the future they’ve earned. They’ve already given so much—it’s time to equip them to thrive in every aspect of their lives.

When I left the Marine Corps, I desperately needed something like The Reboot Project™. I needed a way to rediscover myself, to understand who I was outside the uniform, and to realize what I was truly capable of. That’s why we offer experiences like climbing a 14er or developing an Intentional Life Plan—opportunities for Heroes to reconnect with themselves, rediscover their strength, and create a life of intention.

"The gift of having the support to do the work of confirming who your true self is, discovering and planning who that future self is, and then having the partnership to create that—that's been the beauty of The Reboot Project for me. Working and climbing with this group has been a great experience. Good times."

Ultimately, this work is about one thing: showing people that they have the power to design their own future. It’s about unlocking the inner strength of these heroes and lighting a fire that propels them forward into the next chapter of their lives.

I want to empower them to rise, to take charge, and to march into their future with absolute confidence. They’ve poured their hearts and souls into serving others—it’s time they turn that same energy inward and start living for themselves. It’s time for them to build a life that fuels their passion and makes them feel alive in every sense of the word.

The best is not behind them—it’s ahead. And I’m here to help them claim it.