Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient Dr. Patrick Horton says his near-death experience while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom is paving the way for him to help others.
In his new book, "Lucky To Be Here: How to discover your purpose, live with leadership and find success," Horton details how he used his second chance to live with purpose and “stop half-assing life."
Raised in California by a single mother who had him when she was 18, Horton said his father was not present in his life as he grew up.
“When I was four, my mother took a job with the California state prison system in Solano, leading us to move to Vacaville, a small farm town in the early 1980s,” he explained. “Although I made great friends in this suburban setting, growing up with a single mother exposed me to many of the challenges faced by children in similar circumstances.”
In the book, Horton compares himself to a "crooked tree" who grew up without strong academic roots. On the brink of earning a baseball scholarship to Sacramento State, distractions caused his focus to wane, resulting in plummeting grades and forcing him to barely graduate. After high school, Horton enrolled in Heald Technical College, where he earned a certificate in electronics and an associate degree in computer science.
“After overcoming my academic struggles, obtaining my AA degree, and looking for my first IT job, I faced a critical decision point in my life,” he said. “I realized that entering the workforce in the California Bay Area would offer me opportunities but would not provide the guidance I needed. I decided to join the military, believing it would grant me the necessary mentorship, cover my student loans, and offer camaraderie and adventure at the pivotal age of 20.”
Horton served in the 3-7 Infantry unit, which was tasked with taking Baghdad Airport during the onset of the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
“Tragically, just 30 days into my tour, while I was stationed 10 minutes outside the airport, my unit was ambushed by enemy fire,” he said. “I sustained severe injuries, including three broken ribs from a tank barrel impact, and was awarded the Purple Heart for my service.”
Horton was 23 years old at the time. After being medevacked to Southern Iraq and Northern Kuwait, he spent seven days on life support, during which he experienced a profound moment of reflection regarding his life’s direction.
“It was a wake-up call that made me realize I had not been actively pursuing my dreams or living a meaningful life,” he said. “I promised myself that if I were given another chance, I would seize every opportunity to make something of my life.”
Horton went on to fully recover and returned for another year-long tour in Iraq with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to leadership — qualities that have fueled his success in civilian life.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Management with a specialization in Information Systems at the University of Phoenix. Horton also launched his business, Professional Career Transformations, in 2021 as a way to guide and encourage others to identify and pursue their career goals.
Central to Horton’s message in his book 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.
Speaking directly to his fellow veterans, Horton said, “You have the power to shape your destinies, and the ethos we embody as veterans can significantly enhance our roles in the civilian workforce. Embrace the skills you've developed, seek out mentorship, and remember that your experiences have equipped you to thrive. Together, we can create extraordinary lives that reflect our service and dedication.”
Horton’s motivation to accept nothing less than the best for himself is personal.
“For me, it’s 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,” he said. “Maybe that’s why, as I reflect on my life’s 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’s journey.”
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Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.