He is best known as Kylo Ren, a Force of darkness in the Star Wars franchise. Although, as an aside, I would consider his character conflicted, more of an antihero than a villain, which is why we’re all deep down pulling for him. 😉

But enough Star Wars geek-speak for now. Today, on this “May the 4th Be with You” pop culture holiday, I wanted to raise awareness of actor Adam Driver’s work on planet Earth as a force of light.

Did you know Adam’s path to the dramatic arts began with the United States Marine Corps? He served in a weapons company in the USMC​’s ​First Battalion First Marines​ (the prestigious 1/1​ “First of the First”), and as we ​all know: once a Marine, always a Marine.

Now as a veteran—through his nonprofit organization Arts in the Armed Forces—he’s ​accomplishing​ something that ​I’m also passionate about: building resources, boosting morale, and creating avenues of artistic expression for our troops.

Check out Adam’s powerful TedTalk below, and make sure you stay for the incredible monologue “I am not Batman.” Note: there is some coarse language in the monologue, but it’s not gratuitous. Also, it may bring tears to your eyes…

As a final note, I’m giving Adam a huge “thank you!” Thank you for serving in the Marines. You wouldn’t be the person you are had you chosen any other path. Honor. Discipline. Sacrifice. You Marines embody all of those words. I’m thrilled you and Nathan McBride have something special in common!

For more information about Adam’s cause, click here to browse the AITAF website.

Featured Image Source: StarWars.com