DAMIAN’S BIO
Damian Jackson wasn’t born a team player. It took a career in Navy Special Operations to help him understand what it means to be part of something bigger.
A self-described, “trouble child,” Damian was never able to find satisfaction in the classroom. Instead, he focused his energy on sports like baseball, soccer and snowboarding. He grew up with an older brother in a single-parent home in Las Vegas, NV, his mother working two jobs to keep the family afloat.
After high school, he followed in his brother’s footsteps and enlisted in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. But at 6”2’ and 270-pounds of pure muscle, Damian was built to do something more. Once he arrived at boot camp, he changed course and set his sights on the elite SEAL program.
Training took Damian out to Basic Underwater Demolition School (BUDs) in San Diego, CA. There, he spent six months fighting through SEAL training—doing thousands of push-ups, swimming for miles strapped to the teeth with gear, carrying 200-pound boats into crashing surf and doing everything it took not to give up and ring the bell. Because for Damian, quitting is never an option.
Shy and quiet by nature, Damian was initially perceived by his fellow Frogmen as selfish. But, as he progressed through the program, he transformed that viewpoint into one of selflessness. He came to realize that the SEALs to his left and right weren’t competing against him, they were part of a team. They were brothers. No SEAL can complete a mission alone.
Damian made it through the infamous Hell Week and became part of a SEAL platoon. He took on the role of Lead Breacher, specializing in explosives and obstruction removal. Any barricade that needed toppling, wall that needed crumbling, or door that needed to be blown off, was Damian’s responsibility. In other words, he didn’t knock at an enemy’s door.
After two deployments, Damian felt his career as a SEAL was coming to close. Though he had never played football before, he dreamed of going to college and eventually playing professionally. He wrote to every Division 1 college team until one finally wrote back. The Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Damian showed up at the University of Nebraska unsure if he would make the cut. But his mental fortitude and devotion to the idea of “team” made the entire coaching staff take notice. After proving himself in tryouts, Damian joined Nebraska football as a Defensive Lineman. Some people train for their entire lives to play college football. In part to his training as a Special Operator, Damian had what it took to walk on.

The Walk-On
NAVY SEAL
Navy’s Sea, Air and Land Forces—commonly known as SEALs—are expertly trained to deliver highly specialized, intensely challenging warfare capabilities that are beyond the means of standard military forces. Their missions include direct action warfare, special reconnaissance, counterterrorism and foreign internal defense. When there’s nowhere else to turn, SEALs achieve the impossible through critical thinking, sheer willpower and absolute dedication to their training, their missions and their fellow Special Operations team members. Find out more about life as a Special Operator.

More Episodes
The Fighter
Kaylah Gillums's dad taught her how to box. The Naval Academy taught her to fight.
The Protector
When disaster strikes, Aircrewman Esmelin Villar leaps into action to save lives.
The Quiet Professional
Silence is a weapon. And no one wields it better than SWCC Boat Operator Nick O’Sullivan. Meet one of the Navy’s best kept secrets now.
The Provider
When Ana Monterrosa became a single mother at 18, everyone told her to stop chasing her dreams, but Ana knew she was capable of more.
Snipe
Engineman Desirae Martinez rolled up her sleeves to become one of the Navy’s first female Mark VI Patrol Boat coxswains.
The Bridge
After a traumatic accident, Hospital Corpsman Dominique Velazquez made a miraculous recovery and joined the Navy to pay it forward.
Liberated
Health Care Administrator Diana Tran-Yu proudly serves the country that gave her freedom.
The Lens
Photographer Kathleen Gorby tells the Navy’s story through the lens of her camera.
Homecoming
Doctor treats infectious diseases worldwide—including her childhood home of Liberia.
The Interpreter
Digging for purpose didn’t happen in her own backyard—it took her all the way to Bahrain.
The Seventh Sailor
Home's hard to leave. This Sailor watched 6 siblings join the Navy before it was his turn.
The Wallflower
Sometimes, it takes four legs to remind you how important your purpose is in the world.
Stuntwoman
Dreamed of doing her own stunts but found action that doesn't end when they yell "cut."
The Achiever
For one homeless teen, a Navy education offered a chance to make the world a better place.
El Oyente
Justin Alvarado found his way as he journeyed to Spain in search of a new path in the Navy.
Junior
Michael Benitez thought he was leaving family behind but found a new one joining the Navy.
Selfless
When this Sailor must leave her family to ensure their future, her strength is tested.
Lifeline
Being curious changed this Sailor's mind about the Navy. Then it changed her life.
The Ascender
A life of relocation and instability set him up to fail, but the Navy ensured his success.
Life Preserver
A life preserver. Sailor saves people from perils at sea and feeds the hungry on days off.
Dirt Sailor
This Sailor learned the importance of a meaningful life while staying true to his roots.
The Driver
As a Navy Reserve Sailor in America's Navy, he’s also chasing his dreams to become a NASCAR driver.
Momma Bear
She juggles multiple roles with pride and proves you can accomplish anything in the Navy.
Miss Congeniality
In remaining an individual, she exemplifies the strength in staying true to yourself.
Citizen No. T399836
Sailor uses personal struggles by giving back to the country that gave his family so much.