CHOOSE VIRTUE ALWAYS Time-tested principles for succeeding in life through the understanding and development of character, virtues represent the moral excellence of a person. From discipline to prudence, fortitude to faith, the warrior virtues presented in these pages are guaranteed to transform your life to one of meaning and purpose. The Warrior’s Book of Virtues uses the battle-tested principles of the United States Marine Corps to help everyone live their best life in easy and practical ways. Don’t settle for less, and don’t make excuses for yourself. Become inspired to achieve your full  potential and complete every objective you set. Adapt and overcome. “…a great reflection of wisdom through the eyes of selfless servants.” —Alejandro Villanueva , Offensive Tackle for Pittsburgh Steelers, U.S. Army Ranger and West Point alumnus “...exceptional fortitude, objectivity and personal insight.” —John Watters, DO, Staff Physician, VA Pittsburgh “You’ll not find more qualified people to give advice on how to lead a life that matters.” —Dr. David Macpherson, Professor of Medicine and Chief Medical Officer, VISN4, Veterans Health Administration “…provides the tools to build resilience and the faith in our own perspectives that can help to guide us along the way.” —Christine Moghadam, CEO and Founder of Corc Yoga “These guys know what it takes to be a warrior, both on the battlefields of war and the battlefields of daily life.” —Jared Verrillo, serial entrepreneur “Explore why virtue is vital by reading this book.” —Kate Deeks, writing coach and founder of OMNES “…a must-read.” —Adam Greenberg, motivational speaker “Offering a unique and effective approach, The Warrior's Book of Virtues is unreservedly recommended.”   —Midwest Book Review Nick Benas, USMC, is a former United States Marine Sergeant and Iraqi Combat Veteran. He's the author of Mental Health Emergencies and Tactical Mobility . He travels around the United States training individuals on how to recognize a developing mental illness and how to prevent someone from slipping into a crisis. Nick attended Southern Connecticut State University for his undergraduate degree in Sociology, and for his M.S. in Public Policy. He has been featured by more than 50 major media outlets for his business success and entrepreneurship, including Entrepreneur Magazine, Men's Health , ABC, FOX, ESPN, and CNBC. Matthew Bloom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves where he spent eight years and did two combat tours to Iraq. During this time he worked at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility as a counselor and assistant therapist for incarcerated offenders. Matt then worked as law enforcement at the Department of Veterans Affairs. After getting his Masters in Social Work, he then worked five years as a licensed social worker. Matt is currently a police officer in Pittsburgh, PA. Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, he attended Penn State University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Richard "Buzz" Bryan is currently the Outreach Coordinator for the West Palm Beach VA medical center. He previously served as the OEF/OIF Transition Patient Advocate (TPA) for the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN4) based in Pittsburgh, PA for ten years, working specifically with Iraq & Afghanistan veterans. Buzz was a member of the Navy/Marine Corps team and retired from the United States Navy in July 2007 after 22 years of honorable service as a Fleet Marine Force Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman. A warrior is not defined by gender, culture, skin color, age, intellect, socio-economic status, generation, or political affiliation. A warrior is defined by the things they do, and their lifelong commitment to improvement. Becoming a warrior means embarking on an ever-evolving journey towards a destination of elite mental status—reaching a place where we can truly be our best selves. We’re all bombarded daily with chores, responsibilities, the demands of others, the demands we put on ourselves... a cacophony of inner and outer voices, each one striving to be heard. And oftentimes, the directives given by these voices are ones of service: simple, mundane and frequently boring tasks. Service to yourself or a loved one, before you leave for work or school: make your bed, brush your teeth, take a shower, use deodorant, eat breakfast, get dressed, feed the kids, pay the bills... the list endless. Typically, when these tasks present themselves, we’re tempted to respond with, “Why?” or, “What’s the point? Who cares?” There are valid answers to these questions—answers that offer a reason for and validity to making your bed, even when no one’s looking. Our goal with this book is to help everyone see the long-term benefits of the daily rinse-and-repeat. To recognize these actions not as tests of our patience, but as signifiers of our diligence. In doing so, we hope to lead you along a path to success of your ow