Return to Ancestral Lands: My Journey from Airforce Veteran to Entrepreneur - First Trip to Africa

"Return to Ancestral Lands: My Journey from US Airforce Veteran to Entrepreneur" chronicles such a dream realized. Ricardo Jarvis, a distinguished former US Airforce veteran, successful entrepreneur, and academic, embarks on a transformative journey back to Africa— the land of his forebears. This journey is not merely geographical but profoundly emotional and spiritual, bridging centuries of separation and pain with newfound understanding and connection. Ricardo's story is one of triumph over adversity. As the first black individual at Eglin Airforce Base to earn the prestigious US Airforce Bootstrap Scholarship, he not only broke barriers but also set new standards of excellence. His pursuit of higher education, culminating in a degree in Computer Information Science and a Master's in Management, reflects a commitment to self-improvement and service. Transitioning from military service to civilian life, Ricardo's impact continued to grow. As a Tutor at University of West Indies (UWI) Management Division and an Adjunct Professor at Florida Technical College and later a Business and Technology Consultant in San Diego, he has shared his knowledge and expertise, empowering others to achieve their potential. His entrepreneurial spirit, recognized by Ernst & Young as the Caribbean Entrepreneur of the Year for the Services Sector in 2000, speaks to his innovative vision and dedication to fostering business growth. But beyond these professional accolades lies a deeper, more personal quest. Ricardo's decision to journey back to Africa is rooted in a desire to honor his ancestors, to walk the paths they once tread, and to reclaim a connection that history sought to sever.