In Episode 10 of the Semper Try Podcast, Bill sits down with Riley Jordan, USMC, a Marine veteran whose journey proves that trying really does beat quitting.

Riley shares his path from a small-town upbringing to Marine Corps boot camp, serving as a heavy equipment operator, and deploying overseas to Okinawa and beyond. Along the way, he learned hard lessons about leadership, discipline, camaraderie, and finding purpose after the uniform comes off.

But the heart of this episode is a story you can’t make up.

While still serving, Riley discovers that the father he never knew was also a Marine — a senior leader in the same Corps. What follows is a powerful story of timing, faith, reconciliation, and understanding why some answers only come when you’re ready for them.

Now back home, Riley continues serving his community as a volunteer firefighter, a husband, and a soon-to-be father — proving that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.

This is a story about brotherhood, family, second chances, and the courage to keep moving forward.

Because trying beats quitting.