Tony Wilson sat at his work desk, overhead shelves filled with books, college memorabilia, a framed family photo and his honorable discharge certificate from the U.S. Marine Corps.

The mementos take him back to 2007, when he began considering military service. He wanted a challenge, and after walking into a recruiting office, his decision felt clear.

“They were the best, the baddest, and my chance of getting to go overseas and serve my country the way I wanted,” Wilson said.

By 2008, he headed to boot camp while his friends packed for college. He chose a different path, one he believed was his duty.

“We were at war at the time and I felt like I needed to step up and do my part,” Wilson said.

That path would take him from the deserts of Afghanistan to leading a Fort Worth nonprofit.

T

See Full Page