Sean Corrigan was commissioned as a second lieutenant when he graduated from West Point in 1988. Within just a couple of years, he saw action in both Panama and Desert Storm. Soon after that he entered the world of special operations and served there for the remainder of his career, including combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan and a harrowing assignment in Yemen.

In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Col. Horrigan recounts what he learned as a young officer in those early conflicts, what was required physically and academically to succeed in special operations, and how his world quickly changed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

He also takes into his missions to find and capture high-value enemy targets and rescue hostages during his time in Iraq, including the many considerations that factored into each of those daring missions.

Corrigan also shares details about his service in Yemen and the threat posed to him and others at the U.S. embassy there just days after terrorist attacks killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three others in Benghazi, Libya.

Finally, Col. Corrigan explains his role as Director of Special Activities at U.S. Special Operations Command and the work he is doing now to honor special operators through the Special Operators Warrior Foundation.