Warriors Passage

Eleazar Josue Bolanos, though not much guidance, hard work and discipline was instilled at a young age. Being the oldest from a bunch of three he’d learned quickly to take on responsibility. Gaining his sense of brotherhood not only through family but from soccer growing up and eventually high school football.

At 20 years of age, he would find himself with a two year old son (Dylan) and college still on the back burner. Although well put together, he felt a lack in his clear sense of purpose. While there was no pressure from others, internally discerned change was needed. Just after 9/11 the military were in his line of sight, at the time seemed patriotic as tensions were rising in Afghanistan and Iraq. His “Why” was to be a part of something bigger than himself, and a future for his son, Dylan.. Believing this would be the opportunity to grow with structure and purpose.

June 2002 Sand Hill, Georgia there he was training to be an 11B Infantryman. After Boot camp, Eleazar would be assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, Currahee, 101st Airborne Division. Training from there would be repetitive and constant, preparing with your band of brothers doing tasks such as field problems, weapons training, long movements and live fire exercises. Building trust through shared hardship. He would emphasize how clear it would become that no amount of preparation captures the reality, it’s a completely different world. Being with his team still gave him a sense of pride and purpose. As this would be the best he would feel, he’d face his biggest tribulation when returning to civilian life.The loss of purpose and structure, missing brotherhood and having a clear concise goal.

Returning June of 2009 feeling lost, but far from defeated. Taking what he learned in his service, gaining a deeper understanding of himself. His capabilities coupled with the will to not quit when things got hard would eventually shift his purpose towards building a better future.

Now, in 2026, his 16th year with Swire Coca-Cola, 1st year in HR. Happily married with his lovely wife Zaynah, living in Denver, Colorado. Obtaining not only a bachelors but a Master of Business Administration. His advice to those looking to join is to make the most of it. “The military offers experiences that cannot be found anywhere else. The most valuable thing you gain is not just training or skills, but a deeper understanding of who you are and what you are capable of becoming.” When asked if he would do it all over again, he replied “If I had the chance to do it all over again, I would. I would just do it earlier in my life. I would approach it with more intention, make the most of every opportunity, and focus on gaining as much as I could from the experience.”

Lucca Krick Budija, a L22A United States Navy sailor, currently serving his 7th year as a pharmacy technician stationed in Iwakuni Japan. Raised in a house riddled with three brothers, finding himself in constant competition and adversity. Ignited by the passion to prove others wrong, and to overcome the unthinkable.

Struggling with his sense of identity but guided by a high school wrestling coach/recruiter, Lucca embarked on his next trial in life. To make every effort to become a navy seal, a complete 180 from his original college plan. He would knock the Prequisites out of the water, exceeding both physical and academic standards. But no amount of preparation can prepare for the strenuous training he’d endure. Narrowly just short of qualification, being reclassified to Hospital Corpsman Pharmacy Technician.

Although not his expected outcome, his why leaves him persistent in wanting to become something greater. His service includes participation in Humanitarian missions such as "Continuing Promise” in 2023 where he traveled to five South American countries working 18 hour days, providing vital medical aid to communities with limited access to healthcare. One of his memorable moments was experiencing a 15-man overboard on his birthday, every sailor made it out safe.

As his service comes to a close, he reflects deeply on his sense of purpose. His why behind joining was “why not”, a reminder that in a world full of doubt it doesn't hurt to try. Regardless of the outcome, he still stands tall and proud for the path his service has carved for him. From his accomplishments in the service, to meeting his lifelong brothers and loving wife. We asked if he would do it all over again, he replied “Absolutely. It has shaped me into the man I am today and given me the clarity to know what I do not want to become: a statistic”

Kyle Henderson, raised as an American country kid who loved hunting and fishing, eventually discovering a passion for the rodeo and bull riding. Natural-born patriot coupled with the support of his loved ones, would make it irrefutable that the military was in his future.

His deep love for America and commitment to protect the constitution and its citizens was his”why”. In 2019 just weeks after graduation, he’d ship out to basic training. Soon becoming a Hull Maintenance Technician (HT2), not the most glamorous work. Ranging from welding and metalwork to working in sewage systems aboard ships. During service, Kyle would eventually reignite his passion in bull riding. Showing shipmates his talent and country roots.

In 2024; Just after his service, he embarked on a three-month road trip from San Diego to Alaska and Colorado Springs, helping rediscover himself. Stagnant after, his harsh reality kicks in. A lot of Kyle's trials rose from his transition back to civilian life, navigating emotional and practical challenges. His advice to those future service members is to deeply reflect their “why” behind serving. Embrace the suck and highly encourages self research, ensuring it aligns with future goals. When asked if he would do it all over again, he replied “ Absolutely. wouldn’t trade the experiences or the camaraderie for anything, my time in the Navy shaped me into the man I am today.” His service and the bonds he formed continue to influence his life, reminding him of the sacrifices made and the strength gained.