The military is full of instructors, most are not enlisted but they have a ranking system. Reaching master level is a high achievement. I was tapped for the redesign and it’s one of my favorite because it wasn’t commercial at all. I researched iconography and symbolism which was a fantastic rabbit hole on the “hacking” power of imagery. Every single element in this is tied to teaching and valor, from quill against a pike, to the number of gold pleates. The whole time I was motivated by the importance of teaching our soldiers how to win and come home. I didn’t plan on the feeling of pride that the recipient didn’t see the design at all. For them it represented their life’s work and love for their country. It was so important for me to reward that. To think, whenever they see it they are filled with a sense of appreciation and I get to say thank you every single time. It’s why I do this.