In the chronicles of my life, few companions have demonstrated the stalwart loyalty and unwavering camaraderie of Jeff Gooch. Our paths first converged during the rigorous and exacting vetting process for a CIA contract abroad, where we endured three grueling weeks of training and skill assessment. It was in those arduous days that the foundations of our enduring friendship were laid. Jeff, with characteristic humor and humility, often remarks that my back injury was the result of carrying him through the trials we faced. Yet, it was his indomitable spirit and steadfast presence that truly sustained us both. Years later, after a deployment that tested the very limits of our resolve, Jeff's concern for my well-being transcended mere words. In an act of profound friendship, he arrived unannounced in Norfolk, a gesture that cemented our bond for life. It was a moment of clarity, a recognition that here was a man of unshakeable loyalty and unyielding support. Our friendship, forged in the crucible of shared adversity, was further solidified when I had the honor of officiating his wedding. It was only fitting, and poetically just, that he stood by my side to officiate mine. Jeff, though rough around the edges, embodies a loyalty that is as rare as it is precious. In Jeff Gooch, I found not merely a friend, but a brother-in-arms, a confidant, and a steadfast ally. His loyalty, resilience, and unwavering dedication have been a beacon of strength and a source of enduring inspiration. To call him a friend is to pay him the highest compliment, for he is, without doubt, a friend until the very end.

In the grand tapestry of my life, few threads have woven themselves as deeply and enduringly as that of my friendship with Sean Olmstead. Our journey began in the sixth grade, a time of youthful innocence and boundless dreams. We walked the halls of high school together, forging a bond that would withstand the test of time and the trials of life. After graduation, our paths diverged as Sean, guided by his Mormon faith, embarked on his college education and mission. I, driven by a different calling, joined the military and pursued the arduous path of a Navy SEAL. Though the world pulled us in separate directions, the bond of our friendship remained unbroken. Over the years, our lives have taken us across the globe, from the sun-soaked beaches of Mexico to the historic streets of Portugal and the romantic vistas of France. These adventures, shared and cherished, have aged us, but they have also deepened our friendship and the brotherly love we hold for one another. We are not bound by blood, but by choice—a testament to the family we have built, not by the hand of fate, but by our own hearts. For 35 years, our friendship has been a constant, a cornerstone in the ever-changing landscape of our lives. This occasion is not an end, but merely another chapter in a lifelong adventure, a story of brotherhood that continues to unfold. Sean Olmstead, my best man, is a brother in every sense of the word. Our friendship is a beacon of unwavering loyalty and mutual respect, a testament to the enduring power of chosen family. As we stand here today, we celebrate not just a moment, but a legacy of friendship that will carry us forward into the future.

In the annals of my life and career, few men stand as tall and true as Kaegan McInturff. Our paths converged in the crucible of Baghdad, Iraq, where I had the distinct privilege of serving as his team lead and site lead. In the searing heat and relentless pressure of the battlefield, we forged a bond that would transcend the trials of war and the passage of time. Kaegan and I spent countless months on the cutting edge of the battlefield, our shared experiences shaping not just a formidable team but an enduring friendship. This camaraderie saw me invited to his wedding, a testament to the depth of our bond, and carried us through many subsequent deployments and shared moments over drinks, solidifying our partnership both in life and in business. Together, Kaegan and I have embarked on a mission beyond the battlefield: to change the world for the better through our shared vision, inventions, and unyielding heart. It is a journey driven by a profound sense of purpose and a desire to make a lasting impact. Our shared walk through the shadows of PTSD and the light of spirituality has been a testament to Kaegan's resilience and strength. He is, without doubt, one of the world's finest hunters and an exemplar of what it means to be a man of honor. Today, I am deeply honored to have Kaegan McInturff by my side on this hallowed ground, sharing in this special moment of my life. His presence is a reminder of the enduring bonds of brotherhood and the unshakeable foundation of friendship that has carried us through the fiercest of battles and the most profound of life's journeys.