From Soldier to Mentor: My Journey
A story of leadership forged in combat, refined through personal failure, and dedicated to building leaders worth following.
Raw and Uncut
My military journey began in January 2001 as a Light Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. Over the next two decades I served in every leadership position from team leader to the top enlisted rank Command Sergeant Major and led soldiers through multiple combat deployments, including Operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve. In 2009, I was honored to be named U.S. Army Drill Sergeant of the Year.
But decorations and titles don’t tell the whole story. While I was advancing in my career, I struggled as a husband and a father.
The relentless pursuit of my career created a severe lack of life balance, leading to personal trials and a family crisis that brought me to my knees. It was a painful, but necessary, turning point. That rock bottom moment forced me to redefine success. It marked the end of my life as a soldier and the beginning of my life as a true father and husband. It’s from this raw, uncut experience that Infectious Leadership was born—a philosophy based not on authority, but on authentic human connection.
My "Why"
True leadership isn't just about professional achievement; it's about the legacy you build at home. My wife, Sergeant Major Jessica Alicea Cavezza, and our three sons, Chris, Antonio, and Joseph, are the bedrock of my philosophy. They are my 'why' and the daily reminder that the most important team you'll ever lead is your family. This principle is at the heart of everything I teach.
My Qualifications
A career dedicated to service, leadership, and continuous learning.
Key Military Education
- United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (Class 68)
- Joint Logistics Course
- Master Resilience Trainers Course
- Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education Course
- United States Army Drill Sergeant School
Awards & Decorations
- Bronze Star Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters)
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Combat Action Badge
- Master Parachutist Badge
- Drill Sergeant Badge
- Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe
Civilian Education & Associations
- Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership, Excelsior College
- Former President, Sergeant Audie Murphy Association
- Member, Fort Lee’s Sergeants Major Association
Ready to build a team that wants to follow you?
Stop managing and start leading. Let's unlock the potential within your team together. Your journey towards infectious leadership begins with a single conversation.
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