I am a military brat. In many ways, it was a wonderful life - new places, new experiences, things that I would never have had the chance to do otherwise, and I got the chance to watch my Dad rise to the ranks of 4 star General in the US Air Force. My Dad was a fighter pilot, flew in Vietnam and I was always so proud of him. My mom used to take us to the flight line so we could watch him land. He would tip the wings to us in the form of a wave and I just remember being so proud.
My Dad was a command pilot with more than 4,500 flying hours, including 270 combat hours. His military awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Air Force Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 10 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Award with "V" device and two oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with two service stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with silver service star, Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Short, Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Long, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with eight oak leaf clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He has also received the Order of National Security Merit, Gouges Medal - South Korea, Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure - Japan and Award of Knight Grand Cross with Sash - Thailand. Additionally, he has been inducted into the Order of the Sword, which is the highest honor non-commissioned officers can bestow to commissioned officers.
My Dad was a command pilot with more than 4,500 flying hours, including 270 combat hours. His military awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Air Force Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 10 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Award with "V" device and two oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with two service stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with silver service star, Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Short, Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Long, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with eight oak leaf clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He has also received the Order of National Security Merit, Gouges Medal - South Korea, Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure - Japan and Award of Knight Grand Cross with Sash - Thailand. Additionally, he has been inducted into the Order of the Sword, which is the highest honor non-commissioned officers can bestow to commissioned officers.
My Dad had humble beginnings and is a bumble man, born and raised in a small town in Nebraska and he has always been true to himself throughout this journey. He taught me about integrity, honest, always doing your best in whatever you do and for that, and so many things, I will always be grateful.
So on Veteran's Day, it seems fitting to not only give thanks to all the men and women who serve this country (past and present) but also a special thanks to my Dad.
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