In our blood

Serving the nation is in our blood because my father served the military and so was one of his brothers who died in Germany. And now I am about to retire from 20 years of service in the navy.

Below are some photos of my father and his friends during his military life.

My father left home at an early age to serve in the three C's (Civilian Conservation Corps) in which he traveled throughout West Virginia and other states providing plant and wildlife conservation efforts as well as assisting in the national efforts towards economic recovery. He was drafted into the U.S. Army as he ended his duty with the three C's and headed off to WWII. He was assigned to the Pacific Theatre under the command of General Douglas MacArthur in which he fought against the Japanese throughout many islands of the pacific such as Guam, Saipan, and the Philippines. He returned from the war and started a family and a new career with Weirton Steel Corp.

I'm very proud of my father because he is a true survivor in life. He was born in the Roaring Twenties, lived through the Great Depression, contributed to the liberation of the Philippines as well as victory in WWII, and he managed to make it back to his home state and raise a family. He has a strong moral character and if he believes in something, he always sticks to his guns. I still recall, during my teenage years while on a hunting expedition, he was able to out-climb and out-run me up the hills of West Virginia and he was already in his 60s.

In my lifetime, I would be happy to say that I accomplished at least half of what my father has during his. He is a Great American Hero in my eyes and I love him dearly.