A True American Hero - my Dad

Honoring America's Heroes

I've been wanting to get back in the blogging groove for some time now.  I haven't done much in this regard since 2008.  So I think it is a good thing to start - today!  I had several blogs prior to my hiatus, and I think it would now be best to combine them around a general theme - the heroes in my life who I am very proud of.

Mostly - these heroes are my family and revolve around military service in some way.  But from time to time, I'll highlight other heroes to me.  I'll start off with the biggest hero to me - my Dad.  While I won't 'give away the farm' when it comes to personal information, I will say this about him:

• Born in rural southeast Missouri in a home built by his grandfather that was lacking indoor plumbing while his father was serving in the Army in WWII.  He is the oldest child of nine.
• First of his siblings to graduate college with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Southeast Missouri State University.
• Enlisted in the United States Navy in 1967, leaving behind a promising teaching position to do so.  He is a veteran of the Cold War operations.
• Married to the same woman for over 43 years!
• Father of 7 children - 6 of them males.
• Grandfather of 13 children.
• Ardent family historian since the 60's.
• Served consecutively as an active volunteer in his church congregation since 1968.
• Acted as a Boy Scout volunteer in various positions over four decades, doing his part as a parent to guide all six of his sons to the rank of Eagle Scout (only 4% of boys who join the Boy Scouts earn the rank of Eagle, so 100% is very impressive!).
• Always supported his family in every way, even when facing downturns in the economy that caused temporary breaks in employment.  I remember him on a few occasions working 2 jobs at once to make ends meet for his family.  If the world shared his work ethic, there would be an immensely greater evidence of prosperity, joy and personal satisfaction had by all.

Well, I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea.  Anyone who meets this description is the model American citizen in my opinion.  He is not perfect (who is?!) but he is a man one can proudly work to emulate.  To me, he embodies all that each of us as citizens of our respective States and, as such, this great Nation, should strive for.  Of course, I love and respect him on many levels.  Without further fanfare - here is the face of the greatest American to me - my father.

My Dad (second from the left) with his parents and six of his siblings in the 1950's.

 My Dad and Mom at a dance shortly after their marriage in October 1969.

My Dad with his new 1967 Chevrolet Impala convertible just before he went away to Navy service.  This was taken in western Illinois during the summer of 1967.

My Dad, Mom and older brother when he re-deployed from a Navy tour in May 1971

My Dad and his direct family taken in February 1996

My Dad congratulating his fifth son on his achievement of the 

rank of Eagle Scout in February 1998

My Dad and Mom in the July 2001

Well, these pictures tell a lot of the story, but there is so much more that could be said.  And one will note my Mom standing right along with him in many of these pictures. But, I will leave the post with my most sincere, heart-felt salute to this great American  - and greatest in my eyes  -  my Dad.  Thank you for being who you are, Dad!