A strong idea and a desire to help.

Sgt Macie in Iraq.

When it came time to choosing where I wanted to focus my energy, there seemed to be a multitude of issues to consider. The most important was that I didn’t want it to feel like “work”, I wanted it to be my vocation. I wanted to be so passionate about what I was doing that I couldn’t wait to get up in the morning, didn’t stare at my watch, or feel I was on the clock. I wanted my daily pursuit to be my life and the thing I was most passionate about. I wanted to make a lasting impact for the better, on earth and for humanity. I am not motivated by the dollar, I am motivated by the lives I can benefit. So how did the idea gel? 

Following a soul-searching trip to some of the most impoverished areas in SE Asia, I knew I had found a good destination. And being a former paratrooper in the US Army, I realized I possessed both a liking for, and a way to share field skills and enable disenfranchised families toward financial and community improvement. And so was born EXPERT-EXCHANGE. I know there really isn’t any money in being the founder of a humanitarian effort, most are lucky to make a living wage, but it seems like such a natural evolution for me to come from military service into a charitable calling. Kennedy’s words have often rung in my ears, “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for the country” - the military was my service to country, returning to civilian life was now about service to humanity. Though the acquisition of wealth doesn’t compel me, I do know I will need to raise a lot of money if I’m to meet my targets. To accomplish this I want your help, your ideas and your compassion.

So why I am sharing all this with you? I want Expert-Exchange to be completely transparent. I am all about openness and I believe at the end of the day honesty and heart will set a critical precedent. I have been extremely fortunate to align with key people who have complementary skills and the same motivations in founding this organization, and now that the majority of the paperwork is done I am planning my departure to Cambodia: I’m keen to get to work! I am still actively seeking leaders of every skill and capacity, so if you are such a person then EXPERT-EXCHANGE is for you and I invite you to join me on a great and worthy adventure. This is the fun part and like all great initiatives it starts with idealism - don’t EVER let anyone imply idealism is a bad thing, or patronize you for it - idealism is the necessary fuel for the requisite propulsion and eventual success of every memorable adventure. 

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