"In 2003 I was separated from the army and was having a hard time readjusting to civilian life. I started to drink heavily to the point that I was putting away an eighteen pack plus a day. One night I was on my way to the liquor store to pick up a bottle after just finishing a twelve pack when I was in a horrible car accident that ended with me taking the leg of a local minister. I was sent to prison for two years for DUI and possession of Marijuana. It would have been a lot longer sentence if the minister hadn't have spoken on my behalf.
On my third night in prison I was approached by the captain of the night shift Mr. Ebersole who was a former marine major. He took me outside and gave me my first cigar a Hoyo Excalibur. As we smoked he talked to me about PTSD and the fact that if I didn't change my life I would more than likely spend the rest of my life in and out of a jail cell. Once a month for the rest of the time I was locked up Mr. Ebersole would come and share a cigar and talk to me about my life and my future.
I have now been sober for eleven years, opened my own business, and talk to kids along with the minister that I hit about the dangers of drinking and driving. Every night I smoke a cigar before going to bed and think about how different my life might have been if Mr. Ebersole would not have taken the time to share a cigar and much needed conversation with me. This man went above and beyond what his job description called for and I have no doubt that he saved my life in the process and for that I am eternally grateful." - Michael from Hagerstown, MD
