Sentinel Prime Hall Interview

Sentinel Prime Hall
Staff Sergeant, US Marine Corps Special Operations

Prime served our nation for more than twelve years in the Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC ) which took him across Southeast Asia, the Philippines, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

During a combat deployment to Afghanistan, his unit suffered heavy fire from multiple rocket-propelled grenades (RPG’s). The insurgent attack left Prime with a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), migraine headaches, dizziness and vertigo, and loss of memory. The years of hard service also left him with debilitating back injuries. He was forced into medical retirement with no clear plans for his immediate future.

Once he decided to pursue his Executive MBA from the University of Southern California, Sentinels of Freedom provided him the support to achieve his ultimate goal of becoming an entrepreneur.

He credits the successful attainment of his degree in large part to the SOF team, especially his case managers for their positive communications. Sentinels of Freedom connected him with the proper mentorship and a meaningful network which allowed him to launch his business and nonprofit endeavors. With SOF’s resources at his disposal, it allowed him to focus on his goals without the stresses of seeking additional employment to stay afloat.

After graduation, he completed a 9-month business incubator and accelerator course called San Diego Sports Innovators. From this, he grew his two businesses: Deep End Fitness (https://deependfitness.com/) and Underwater Torpedo League (https://www.utlnation.com/). After expanding them in the Southern California area, Prime is poised to take them nationwide.

Ultimately, Sentinels of Freedom (sentinelsoffreedom.org) allowed Prime to focus strategically on his priorities and in his words were a “major stepping stone” to effectively transitioning back to civilian life.

To read other Sentinel Stories go to sentinelsoffreedom.org/stories.