Dr. Alan Beitler, a distinguished physician, embarked on his journey at West Point Military School, where he graduated within the top 1% of his class. Immersing himself in the regimented life of a Military College, he swiftly grasped the hierarchical structure within the first 24 hours, encountering the strict order of command, which proved to be immensely challenging.

Retiring from active duty in 2004, Dr. Beitler's commitment to service led him back to a VA hospital before returning to his alma mater, West Point, as a general surgeon. Volunteering for a second tour in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010, he actively sought deployment to the southern region, where conflict was more pronounced. He recounts the unpredictable nature of combat, intertwined with seasonal patterns like poppy harvesting, shaping the intensity of the fighting.