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February 1 %u2022 2025 www.VeteransReporterNews.com VETERANS Reporter News 11Purple Heart Recipient Shares Life-Changing Lessons on Purpose and Leadership Dr. Patrick Horton Shares How His Near-Death Experience Helped Pave the Way for Him to Help Others%u25a0 military.comST. PETERSBURG, Fla. %u2013 At 23 years old, Dr. Patrick C. Horton had a near-death experience that left him questioning how he was living his life. While deployed with the U.S. Army as a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was caught in an explosion that broke three ribs, left him on life support, and changed the course of his life. In his new book %u201cLucky to Be Here: How to discover your purpose, live with leadership, and find success,%u201d he shares how he used his second chance at life to live with purpose and %u201cstop half-assing life.%u201d%u201cWhen I was laying in the military hospital, all kinds of questions ran through my head,%u201d Horton said. %u201cIf I die today, have I lived a life worth remembering? Am I someone my family can be proud of? Have I been living as a leader? My answer every time was no! It was a sobering moment, and I realized I had been granted a second chance that I couldn%u2019t afford to waste.%u201d%u201cLucky to Be Here%u201d recounts Horton%u2019s life journey, exploring themes of resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of purpose. His story is deeply rooted in his unique life experiences, including a challenging upbringing, military service, and personal triumphs over adversity. Born to a single mother who made extraordinary sacrifices, he grew up in environments that presented both obstacles and opportunities. He candidly discusses his struggles with academics and early failures, comparing himself to a %u201ccrooked tree%u201d that grew up without strong academic roots.Central to Horton%u2019s message is the belief in second chances. He urges readers to reflect on their lives with honesty and courage, embrace their failures as learning opportunities, and take proactive steps toward their goals. He frames failure not as a final verdict but as a stepping stone to growth.%u201cIn this book I share the motivation that fueled me to accept nothing less than the best for myself,%u201d Horton said. %u201cFor me, it%u2019s family, redemption, and giving back to those less fortunate as so many people did for me when I was lost and as I later worked my way up the ladder. Maybe that%u2019s why, as I reflect on my life%u2019s journey, one feeling rises to the top; I feel lucky to be here. Treat this book as a guidebook, a road map, and the inspiration you might need to start your transformation and pursue life%u2019s journey.%u201d%u201cLucky to Be Here: How to discover your purpose, live with leadership, and find successBy Dr. Patrick C. HortonISBN: 9798765251577 (softcover); 9798765251584 (electronicAvailable at Balboa Press, Amazon and Barnes & NobleDr. Patrick C. Horton is excited to share his book with the public and is available for interviews. Would you be interested in speaking with him or featuring his perspective? I would love to send you a copy of the book if you are interested!About the authorDr. Patrick C. Horton, MBA, DM/IST, serves as vice president of program management for a Department of Defense contractor, is a college professor, and is a veteran U.S. Army sergeant. He holds a Bachelor of Science in information technology, a Master of Business Administration, and a Doctor of Management specializing in information systems from the University of Phoenix. Horton%u2019s professional certifications include PMP, PgMP, PfMP, and CISSP. In 2021, he founded Professional Career Transformations to help individuals identify and achieve their career goals. A former member of Vistage Executive Coaching, he is dedicated to helping others reach their highest potential. A recipient of the Purple Heart for his service in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Horton resides in Florida. To learn more, please visit https://www.your6figurecareercoach.com/ or https://www.drpathorton.com/.