Rebuilding Purpose: Adam’s Journey with Team RWB
At Team RWB, we see firsthand how powerful connection, community, and fitness can be in helping veterans find purpose after service. Adam L., a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former Marine Corps officer, is one of those veterans who has taken that journey and found new strength with Eagle Nation.
From Marine Corps Leader to Civilian Transition
Adam’s story begins in 2012 when he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned into the Marine Corps. After completing The Basic School in Quantico and the Infantry Officer Course, he led a platoon of infantry Marines at Camp Lejeune and later commanded a Combined Anti-Armor Platoon of nearly 100 Marines preparing for deployment.
“I loved developing the next generation of Marine leaders and fully expected to make the Marine Corps a career,” Adam shared. “Maybe 20 years, maybe more.”
But in 2019, Adam decided to separate from service. He moved to Denver to start a new chapter, but the shift proved harder than expected. “After 15 years in uniform, military school, the Academy, and the Corps - civilian life hit me harder than I expected. I didn’t know anyone. My fitness slipped. The loss of mission and community left a real void, and my mental health began to spiral.”
When the pandemic began in 2020, Adam was laid off. His marriage ended shortly after. “I fell into a deep depression and, at one point, attempted suicide.”
Building Back and Searching for Purpose
Determined to rebuild, Adam sold his house, applied for new opportunities, and eventually launched a logistics company with a fellow Marine. Together, they grew from one truck to more than 60 and built a multimillion-dollar business.
Yet success in business did not erase the inner battles. “Even amidst that success, I was still fighting the invisible battles - purpose, identity, and consistency in my physical and mental health.”
Enter Team RWB
That is when Adam discovered Team Red, White & Blue in 2021. “A friend introduced me to Team RWB. I started showing up to events, meeting fellow veterans and supporters, and remembering what it feels like to belong to a team with a shared mission.”
What Adam found was the blend of community and fitness he had been missing. “Team RWB brings together two things that had always grounded me: community and fitness. That combination helped clear my head and rebuild my foundation.”
Adam and his wife Erin at the Cocoa Beach Triathlon.
Fitness, Connection, and Growth
Adam embraced the Eagle ethos fully. “I began wearing the Eagle everywhere, to runs, races, and gym sessions. My now-wife, Erin, is a huge supporter too; she often rocks Team RWB gear at events right alongside me.”
Since joining, Adam has challenged himself in new ways: “I’ve gotten into the best shape of my life. I’ve run 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and marathons; competed in obstacle course races and HYROX; and even won a trail half marathon in Park City, Utah. I’m not stopping there. I’m chasing big goals - ultras, triathlon world-championship qualification, Ironman, and HYROX Worlds.”
Alongside these personal milestones, he is giving back as a boxing instructor, a sport he first fell in love with at the Naval Academy.
Finding a Team Again
For Adam, the transformation is about more than races or workouts. “The uniform came off, but the team came back. Team RWB gave me a place to plug in, to serve and be served, to sweat with purpose again.”
The workouts matter, but Adam reminds us it is the people who make the difference. “It’s the early-morning miles, the post-race high-fives, the quiet conversations when someone asks, ‘How are you really doing?’ That’s what makes the difference.”
A Message to Fellow Veterans
Today, Adam is in a stronger place as a husband, entrepreneur, athlete, and proud member of Team RWB. “The Eagle reminds me that we don’t have to carry the weight alone. If you’re a veteran who feels lost in transition, come out to an event. Lace up. Say hello. You might be surprised how quickly a mile with teammates can turn into momentum, and momentum into a new mission.”
And you can bet he’ll be wearing the Eagle at every start line. “From local 5Ks to the biggest stages I can reach. Thank you, Team RWB, for helping me rebuild purpose and community when I needed it most. I’m proud to represent the flock wherever the road leads next.”
Want to connect with Veterans like Adam?
Then join Team RWB today! We’re a community of Veterans, Service Members, military families, and supporters, united by teamwork, shared values, and a common mission — to enrich Veterans’ lives. Founded by Veterans for Veterans, we offer a proactive and proven approach to Veterans’ health and wellness through events, training, and programs that promote a healthy lifestyle.
