As a Certified Veteran-Owned Business,
I want you to know my story…
My family has a proud tradition of military service. My father began his career at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in the 1950s, and my father-in-law served as an E-7 in the US Army during WWII. Many of my uncles also served across the branches, with my cousin flying B-52s for the US Air Force during Vietnam.
In 1982, I attended Boys State at Ft. Meade, MD, where my passion for service was sparked. After high school, I pursued US Army ROTC and earned my commission as a second lieutenant. While my early training at Ft. Knox and Ft. Bragg was infantry-focused, I chose to branch into the Transportation Corps, aspiring to lead soldiers in the Army’s watercraft units.
However, I quickly learned that military service is about fulfilling the needs of the organization, not personal preferences. This early lesson shaped my character as a young officer and remains a cornerstone of my professional approach today.
Within my first year of Regular Army service, my unit was deployed from Ft. Lewis (now Joint Base Lewis-McChord) to Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Over that year, we moved through Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq. One of my proudest accomplishments as a leader was bringing all my soldiers home safely.
Facing an enemy intent on taking your life is a surreal experience, and combat gave me a profound appreciation for all that I have.
I finished my time at Ft. Lewis as a battalion S2/3 (intel/operations and training officer), which set the foundation for my future. I served eight years in total, split between active duty and the Individual Ready Reserve. Leading soldiers and serving on battalion staff were instrumental in shaping the leader I am today.
Reflecting on my time in the military, it was the soldiers, NCOs, and officers who truly shaped my understanding of leadership, character, and team culture. Despite the challenges of military service, those experiences were invaluable, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
After leaving the Army, I pursued a Master’s in Teaching and Doctorate in Educational Leadership, and never looked back. Today, I continue to connect with fellow veterans across various industries, whether in formal training, casual encounters, or small groups at church. I deeply value my service and honor the legacy of my family’s commitment to this country.
The core principles behind Challenge Applications stem from lessons I’ve learned throughout my career—not just in the military, but also through my work in education, church leadership, special projects, and collaborations with business partners nationwide. While our approach isn’t solely warrior-focused, I believe effective leadership often requires the mindset of a warrior, especially around strategy and adaptive leadership based on the context.
I hope my story encourages you to reach out. Great opportunities arise when we start intentional conversations. Ultimately, the military’s “mission-first, people-always” mindset taught me that building stronger relationships is more important than we often realize.
All the best - Dan Ashe
