Who I Am

My name is Tyler J. Garrett, and my story is one of service, faith, and family. I was born and raised in the desert city of Phoenix, Arizona, where I developed a deep appreciation for hard work and resilience. Much of this was instilled in me by my father, a man who began working as a young boy at his father’s junkyard breaking down cars and rebuilding motors. He taught me that each calloused hand and every hour spent in honest labor were more than just tasks, they were the means by which we earned not only our bread but our dignity. From him, I learned that bringing food to the table is not simply about nourishment; it is about the integrity and sacrifice behind each meal shared.

My father’s lessons in hard work were not just words, they were hands-on. At the young age of 12, he began teaching me everything he knew about HVAC as I worked alongside him in his business. I quickly became his right-hand man, and within the first year, I was wiring new units on my own. My childhood was filled with odd jobs that shaped my work ethic and practical skills. By the age of 13, I had learned to drive a semi-truck on job sites and spent time helping my grandfather set modular homes for his business. These experiences gave me a foundation of adaptability, determination, and the mindset that no task was too big when approached with effort and persistence.

After graduating high school, I explored sales, working for a local tree trimming and tree removal company. Success came quickly, and I sold over a million dollars in services during my first year. Sales never felt forced because I approached every conversation as an opportunity to provide a service, not sell a product. Although I have never considered myself a salesman, many have said my success stems from my ability to connect with people on a genuine level. However, my heart was not in sales.

From a young age, I always knew that I wanted to serve my country. At the age of 21, I enlisted in the U.S. Army, where I began my journey at Fort Benning for basic training and then continued to Fort Gordon for Advanced Individual Training (AIT). After six months of training, I graduated at the top of my class, receiving special honors at the graduation ceremony.

Following training, I was stationed at Fort Drum, New York. I arrived in the dead of winter on a military bus transport. With no car, no food, and no one around as everyone was on holiday leave, I quickly realized that survival would be my first challenge. Even the cafeteria was closed, there was not a soul in sight. I managed to find a phone number for a cab company and paid my way to a grocery store 30 minutes away, relying on my resourcefulness to get through the next three days on my own.

After approximately 10 months at Fort Drum, I was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. Although my main role was working on aircraft electronics, I was regularly tasked with security detail, alternating between technical responsibilities and frontline defense. In 2011, I was activated to join a downed aircraft recovery team, where my mission alongside three fellow soldiers took us into enemy territory. Under constant threat and direct attack, we defended and secured critical equipment. Through many close calls, I credit God’s hand of protection over my life, along with a fervently praying mother. After a year in Afghanistan, I was sent to Rota, Spain, for port operations. Thereafter, I returned to New York to complete the remainder of my enlistment. In 2013, I was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, having fulfilled my commitment to serve my country.

After my honorable discharge from the Army, I embarked on a new journey that brought me to the Sunshine State, where my life took a beautiful turn. In Florida, I began college and pursued my passion for helping others by starting my career as a registered nurse. It was also here that I met the love of my life, Kaitlyn, and we married in 2017. Together, we have built a family blessed with three wonderful children—two adventurous boys and my sweet baby girl, who has a way of brightening every day. Florida became more than just a new chapter; it became the place where my faith, family, and purpose all came together.

I am a firm believer in Christ, and my faith serves as the foundation for everything I do, both personally and professionally. One of my greatest passions is leading worship at my local church, where I have the privilege of singing and helping others draw closer to God through music. Faith, service, and humility guide my life’s mission to make a difference in the lives of others.

Professionally, I have dedicated myself to nursing leadership, currently serving as the Assistant Nurse Operations Manager at Orlando Health, South Lake Hospital. My career spans various roles in emergency care, operations, and clinical management, all driven by my commitment to improving patient outcomes, fostering team development, and creating environments where excellence thrives. I am proud of the path that began in the Army and evolved into leadership in healthcare—a field where I continue to learn, grow, and impact lives every day.

When I am not working or serving in my community, you can often find me working on our five-acre homestead, teaching my children the value of hard work as we raise poultry and learn to cultivate the land. I believe that the lessons found in hard, honest labor are some of the most important gifts I can pass on to my children. I am also an avid deer hunter, and my most prized shot is a 8-point buck that my wife lovingly named Albert. He is proudly mounted on our wall in honor of his life and dedicated service to providing meat for my table (may he rest in delicious peace).

I also enjoy spending time at the range, fishing, and exploring Florida’s beautiful waterways, where I can unwind and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding us. Whether on the land or the water, these moments are a reflection of God’s blessings. Life for me is about honoring God through service to others, leading with compassion, and loving those closest to me with unwavering devotion.