Alan grew up in Seat Pleasant, Md. After enlisting in the U.S. Air Force at age 17, he was stationed in Minot, N.D., where he guarded nuclear weapons. After the Air Force — and sporting a valuable top-secret security clearance — Alan worked different security jobs in Washington, at places such as the District’s Department of Corrections and the Justice Department. He was a licensed firearms instructor. Unfortunately, situations resulted in his experiencing homelessness for six years, over two different time periods. In 2010, Friendship Place in Washington DC was able to connect Alan with an apartment. He has since served on the board of Friendship Place and now works there as a community engagement associate, sharing his story with community groups.