I proudly served in the United States Army for just over five years. After being injured in Afghanistan, I was medically retired. It was a very dark time in my life. I spent the first two years of my retirement either in medical treatment or sitting in a recliner as I was sure, as were my doctors, that my active life was behind me. Later, I was introduced to a recumbent trike. Once I started cycling, I was made aware of some veteran and first responder cycling based programs, and this is where my story took a turn. Thanks to Project Hero and Wounded Warrior Project, I realized my life wasn’t over, and that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. I still struggled to find gainful employment due to my physical limitations. That is when soap making entered my story. My son has sensitive skin, and a lot of soaps make his skin crack. I found that the natural homemade soaps solved this issue for him, and I was capable of making them, not to mention I enjoy it. Because none of this would be possible without the support, encouragement, and self-confidence I have gained from Project Hero and Wounded Warrior Project, I felt it was only right to donate 10% of each bar to both of these organizations in hopes that they will still be there to help my brothers and sisters who need it. And because I believe that real change begins locally, I will be donating 17.5% of every bar to the Copper Kettle Scholarship Fund as today's youth are tomorrow's community leaders.