Welcome to episode 16 of the In the Name of Service Podcast. Here we broadcast stories of everyday men and women who’ve answered a call to serve in hopes of inspiring and catalyzing the rest of us to follow suit in our own way. Today’s interview is with Derek Jump, a prior Marine, Veteran Advocate, and Entrepreneur. Derek shares with us about his struggles following a rich military career of 10 years and 2 deployments to Iraq, including the infamous Battle of Fallujah. The impetus for the battle began in March 2004 when four American private military contractors from Blackwater USA were ambushed and killed in Fallujah. U.S. Marine forces then launched Operation Vigilant Resolve to take the city back from insurgents. Although the operation ended in late April, the battle to keep Fallujah from being overtaken by insurgents lasted into 2005. Derek’s unit lost 19 of their brothers during that time, changing him forever, and teaching him the preciousness of life. Derek courageously describes his struggles with depression and addiction following his military career and how getting around other Veterans and doing what he could to help others was a much-needed boost to his mental health. He highlights the importance of being fully transparent about your story and how, as difficult as that is, it can go a long way to positively impact others. Derek encourages us to find our why, admittedly easier said than done, so that it can help keep us moving forward when life gets difficult. To connect with Derek or learn more about the 3/ 5 Marines and the Battle of Fallujah, please see the show notes. Thank you for listening!To Connect with Derek:https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekjumpmotivated?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BK0B5kLFVTtuxPiDswugpwA%3D%3DThe 3/ 5 Marines and the Battle of Fallujah:https://mca-marines.org/wp-content/uploads/The-Assault-and-Capture-of-Fallujah-Pt.-II.pdfThird Battalion, Fifth Marines:https://www.1stmardiv.marines.mil/Units/5TH-MARINE-REGT/3rd-Battalion/
