Dear Sentinels of Freedom (SOF) Staff and Team,

I want to take this opportunity to really thank you for everything you have done for my education and for assisting in developing Prime and my startup companies, the Underwater Torpedo League and Deep End Fitness. Without your financial assistance, we would not have had the personal cash flow to continue to attend school and work on our companies. That has definitely been the most beneficial aspect of SOF for me. But, besides the financial assistance, your kind mentorship, opening up your network, and telling our story has also been a huge part of my success in my academic endeavors.
 

One of the difficult aspects of the transition was learning and understanding the application process to get into 4-year universities. During the time I was applying to schools, SOF was able to provide me with a mentor, Larry Schoenfeld, a retired reservist Army Lt. Col. Larry was amazing and reached out to his network to provide me with extremely informative information sessions for Stanford University, and the University of Southern California (USC) for my undergrad business program. Although I did not get into those schools, the mentoring process allowed me to take the things I have learned and applied them to getting into Chapman University, and a few other Southern California universities.
 

My current plans to go straight into an Executive MBA Program at the University of Southern California, I believe that attending this caliber of program can really slingshot our companies by accessing the USC network. I also plan to continue to grow and expand our two companies nationally by increasing the number of locations we have and growing our exposure and influence through national media networks.
 

Throughout my two years with SOF, I have learned that it is okay to ask for help if you need it. Coming from the Marine Raider Community, it is often difficult to ask for help because of too much self-pride but everyone needs help once in a while. With the help, it can make you stronger and be able to help others in the future.
 

I want to thank you again for all the amazing opportunities the SOF Team has provided for me and I will continue to recommend and endorse SOF until the end of time. I know this will not be the end of me reaching out to you or our relationship. I look forward to meeting you all again soon! Cheers and God Bless.
 

Sincerely and respectfully,

Don Tran