As a West Point graduate who had completed his required service, Tom Deierlein was well into a successful career in digital advertising when he was called up once again to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom. There, while working to help struggling Iraqi families meet their basic needs, a sniper's bullet would change his life's trajectory. In this Blue Sky conversation, Tom shares his remarkable life story, on that is marked by inspiring grit, resilience, service, and optimism. Chapters: 02:11 Tom Deierlein's Background Tom Deierlein shares insights about his upbringing as the eighth of nine children and his early influences that led him to West Point. He reflects on the values instilled by his parents and his initial motivations for joining the military. 05:24 Military Service and Leadership Development Tom discusses his military training and the leadership development he experienced during his service, emphasizing the structured professional growth within the Army. He explains his transition from active duty to civilian life and the decisions that led him to the reserves. 08:45 Return to Service and Civil Affairs After a 12-year hiatus, Tom is called back to active duty and deployed to Iraq, where he serves in civil affairs. 12:31 Humanitarian Efforts in Iraq Tom recounts his experiences providing aid to local children and families in Iraq, driven by the dire conditions he witnessed. He shares how he mobilized support from friends and colleagues back home to send supplies and assistance. 16:47 Life-Changing Injury Tom shares the harrowing details of being shot by a sniper in Iraq, describing the severity of his injuries and the immediate medical response he received. He highlights the critical moments that followed and his journey to recovery. 22:41 The Birth of the TD Foundation While recovering at Walter Reed, Tom's friends and supporters continue to fundraise for his humanitarian efforts, leading to the establishment of the TD Foundation. He explains the foundation's mission to support children of wounded warriors and families in crisis. 25:51 Resilience and Recovery Tom reflects on his emotional journey during recovery, including moments of doubt and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. He discusses the role he played in supporting other wounded veterans and the lessons learned from his experiences. 30:06 The Growth of the TD Foundation Tom Deierlein shares the evolution of the TD Foundation, highlighting its mission to support families of wounded warriors and fallen heroes. 36:09 Navigating Challenges with Gratitude In this chapter, Tom reflects on the importance of gratitude in overcoming life's challenges, drawing inspiration from his personal journey. He emphasizes how the TD Foundation's quick response to urgent needs helps families regain hope. 37:15 Entrepreneurial Spirit: Thundercat Technology Transitioning to his entrepreneurial journey, Tom introduces Thundercat Technology, a company he founded that focuses on data center technology and government contracts. He discusses the company's growth and its mission to enhance national security. 41:40 The Role of Optimism and Grit in Business Tom elaborates on the significance of optimism and grit in entrepreneurship, sharing his pragmatic approach to goal-setting and resilience. He explains how these qualities have shaped his leadership style and the culture at Thundercat. 49:02 A Journey of Growth and Inspiration Wrapping up the conversation, Tom reflects on the importance of maintaining a positive outlook despite life's inevitable challenges. He encourages listeners to embrace optimism and resilience as essential tools for personal and professional growth.