Who is a Veteran who inspires you and why?

RallyPoint News — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:03:39 -0400

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Response by SSG William Jones made Oct 31 at 2025 12:49 PM

SSG William Jones — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:49:41 -0400

The veteran who inspires me is none other than my dad (R.I.P.). He was a Staff Sergeant with the 34th "Red Bull" ID, attached to the British Eighth Army. His combat trail began in North Africa, proceeded briefly through Sicily and then encountered major conflicts in Italy, culminating at Bologna. He was 37 years old in 1942 (considered old by the standards of the day), had a law degree, leaving his law practice in '42, and turned down a commission, remaining an Infantry NCO. He had "guts". Emulating him in a way, I rejoined in my last burst of service at 42 years of age, went to war, and came out as... yep, Staff Sergeant!!!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2025 2:52 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 14:52:23 -0400

My father was a Captain in the Air Force. He served in WWII, Korea and the Berlin Airlift. He was killed in December 1956 when his plane crashed on a training mission. I was seven at the time and idolized my dad. My father's sacrifice was a big reason why I joined the military.

Response by 1st Lt James Lipski made Nov 2 at 2025 1:06 AM

1st Lt James Lipski — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 01:06:10 -0400

My uncle Richard was a Vietnam Navy Vet. I remember him helping me with my homework in grade school. He took hundreds, maybe even thousands of pictures while on active duty. I admired him and even though I decided to go Air Force I believe his stories and pictures inspired me to join.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 3 at 2025 8:39 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 08:39:37 -0500

The natural answer is my father and grandfather. Both green berets that have seen more foreign shores than states, and have accomplished things in their lives that most men cannot even fathom.

But non-familially, I would have to go with David Goggins. That man is a real-life Terminator. You cant break him, and when he breaks himself, he gets back up and keeps going. When I feel like I cant manage something, I turn to his words: "Who's gonna carry the boats?"

Response by COL David Turk made Nov 8 at 2025 2:41 AM

COL David Turk — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 02:41:13 -0500

My older brother was an Air Force medic with two tours in Vietnam. While he did well while he was in the service, what impressed me most (besides being a great older brother) was his volunteering for the DAV weekly to help other vets process their claims. He also spent a lot of time on fund raisers, meetings of veterans groups, and visiting the local VA hospital. I don’t know the exact duration but it was at least 15 years. A very kind hearted man. Unfortunately, he recently passed away. Fortunately, his extended family of DAV members gave him a very emotional send off which his siblings greatly appreciated. Thank you DAV Orlando chapter 16.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Nov 8 at 2025 12:25 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 12:25:18 -0500

One man that had a major impact on Me was Samuel Dickens MSgt, USAF (Ret) whom I learned a great deal about leadership, building moral, standing up for Your troops and leading by example. He was My NCOIC at USAF Hanscom Field, MA where I was stationed after I returned from Vietnam. He taught Me so much about being an effective NCO and i worked as Patrol Supervisor for Him back when He was a TSgt and in charge of the shift I worked on. When He took leave or a day off he left Me in charge of the shift and a made SSgt in 4 years which He helped prepare Me for and I've never forgot that and thank Him to this day. My own Father, a US Navy Veteran who served in the Pacific during WWII and served 10 years active duty including the Korean war time period although He was stationed at Pearl Harbor Navel Station in Hawaii and at the time My Mom and I were His military dependents. When I was on active duty Da kept telling Me how proud He was of Me. Dad also spent over 40 years with Me and My brother in Civil Air Patrol, the USAF Auxiliary and continued to inspire Me. My 40 time period as an active Member of CAP also included My 22 years of USAF Service. I was an NCO in USAF but an officer in CAP. as was My Dad and Brother.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2025 10:44 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 22:44:32 -0500

Serving in the military is a bit of a family business and my birthright. It was expected that I would give back to the country and to honor those that paid the price for the rights I was born with. While all both my brothers served, it my grandfather's service I think of most. As a New Yorker of German heritage, it was felt he would blend better in the Pacific. He was the only Medic in his company to survive his time in Burma. He made Sergeant "several times" but never backed down when in the right. He was stubborn to a fault and an exacting craftsman later in life. I was honored to be a medic as well and his was the legacy I thought of when I earned the Expert Field Medical Badge. In this my 27th year in uniform, I am reminded of the feeling I had when I left Afghanistan. I felt I had finally "earned" the rights I was privileged to be born with. After my wife finished Physician Assistant training, she elected to take a commission in the USPHS and we are currently stationed in Kodiak, Alaska with the United States Coast Guard. For me, I am blessed. I am surrounded by those who understand that freedom isn't free, that service comes in many forms, and I am but a tiny cog in the unbroken wheel of service. I am inspired by the legacy of service of my family, and the countless other families who answered the call. If I have done well, perhaps it is the tiny future Veterans from my family that will inspire me most.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Nov 10 at 2025 10:46 PM

SFC Stephen King — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 22:46:23 -0500

The Veteran who first inspired me was my father, retired Lieutenant Commander King of the U.S. Navy. Drafted into the Army, he redirected his path through a recruiter and began his naval career as an Ordnance Seaman aboard the aircraft carrier Saratoga. Rising through the enlisted ranks to Master Chief, he later earned his commission as a Mustang and advanced as an officer. His steadfast dedication and resilience became the model I carried forward in my own life of service.

Following his example, I devoted 26 years to the United States Army, building a career in leadership, training, and resilience development. From mentoring Soldiers and leading teams to designing curricula that strengthened readiness and care for others, my path was shaped by the same values of discipline, adaptability, and service that my father embodied. His legacy was not only a personal inspiration but also a standard I sought to uphold and pass on to the next generation of leaders.

Response by Cristina Johnson made Nov 11 at 2025 6:06 AM

Cristina Johnson — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 06:06:51 -0500

A veteran who recently inspired me is the author of an opinion piece I came across by chance, “On Veterans Day, I appreciate your thanks. But it isn’t that simple.”
What stood out to me was his honesty. He talked about how service can be both something you’re proud of and something that leaves you conflicted. He reminded me that being a veteran isn’t about glory, it’s about sacrifice, carrying memories that others may never understand, and still finding peace with it all. His words made me stop and think about the quiet kind of strength so many veterans carry, the kind that doesn’t ask for recognition but deserves it all the same.
I hope no one minds me sharing it here
https://www.mcall.com/2025/11/09/opinion-on-veterans-day-i-appreciate-your-thanks-but-it-isnt-that-simple/

Opinion: On Veterans Day, I appreciate your thanks. But it isn’t that simple

Opinion: Veterans Day is complicated. I’m still bitter. But I’m also proud.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2025 7:07 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 07:07:07 -0500

Who inspires me on this Veteran's Day? The man on my left (your right) in this photo - Fred LaPonzia. WWII. Pacific Theater. Tail-gunner, B-24, Army Air Corps. 105 years old.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Nov 11 at 2025 11:48 AM

Cpl Vic Burk — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:48:06 -0500

My oldest Brother. Cpl L.R. Burk USMC. When I decided to join the military, I wanted to be like him and earn the title of United States Marine. Sadly, my brother committed suicide due to PTSD and becoming an alcoholic because he was too proud to ask for help. Semper Fi Brother.

Response by PFC Rome Batchelor made Nov 11 at 2025 1:51 PM

PFC Rome Batchelor — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 13:51:41 -0500

Master Sgt. John Setera. Sgt Setera has been a friend for many, many years. We joined months apart and we have been through some good times and some extremely challenging ones including deaths in our families, divorces and many just as large issues. John has persevered, stayed the course and built his life over several times. Today he sent me pictures of himself in Brevard, NC mountains fishing and caught 18! Sometimes the good guys win!

Response by AN Ron Wright made Nov 12 at 2025 8:28 PM

AN Ron Wright — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 20:28:09 -0500

My Father. USN Served aboard the USS Fox at the tail end of WWII. Lied about his age to go in early. Four of his 5 boys all followed his footsteps and went into the Navy. I did reserve active duty trainings with him on the west coast for a few years while he was chasing out his 20. Retired Navy. Retired civil service at PT Hueneme CA Was still reservist at the gulf war but declared a key #3 man on the base for Naval ships weapons systems supporting the SMB block 2/3

Response by Charlotte Rose made Nov 14 at 2025 9:31 AM

Charlotte Rose — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 09:31:24 -0500

I know a lot of people will say their parent, however my dad is a veteran that really and truly inspires me everyday to be the best version of myself. When he married my mom, he rejoined active duty after years in the reserves because he knew that the opportunities it would afford my family were too good to pass up. He understood that it would include our lives become extremely transient and would increase his changes for multiple future deployments, yet he still made the choice and continued to serve well past his 20 year requirement. He taught me the importance of sacrifice and what having real integrity looks like. I would not be the person I am today without him. He was eligible for retirement in 2019 and decided to take it after serving for 37 years. And in his retirement he taught me yet another lesson, the importance of letting go and moving on. I think that my dad would have stayed in for another 10 years because he had wanted to be a soldier since he was a child - it was his dream. However he also knew that as my sisters and I got older, he wanted to be around more often. It was in that moment that he showed me that sometimes the biggest sacrifice you can make is moving on from your dream to be present for the people you love.

Response by SSG Paul Setterholm made Nov 14 at 2025 4:03 PM

SSG Paul Setterholm — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 16:03:54 -0500

Pfc Robert Hystad. My maternal grandfather. He was from Norway and moved to England at age 18. Married my grandmother and when WW2 started they moved to the USA. When the United States entered the war, my grandfather enlisted to fight in Europe. He returned with a head injury and died 15 months later in a VA hospital. He was the reason I joined the army infantry.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Nov 24 at 2025 1:07 PM

MSG Stan Hutchison — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:07:24 -0500

I have two Veterans to thank. First, like many here on RP, is my father who taught me the value of hard work.
The second would be John F Kennedy. He taught me love and sacrifice for this great nation.

Response by CW3 Richard Doty made Nov 24 at 2025 7:41 PM

CW3 Richard Doty — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 19:41:21 -0500

I had a lamentably bad bunch of examples in my life, with a few exceptions. There were a couple of folks along the way that seemed to be outstanding examples. They didn't strive to be that to show off--they just were great examples. These were the people that impressed me with their dedication to duty, and their technical competence. They've mostly passed now, or are likely close to it, but they all left an impression. I appreciate all of their input, and for the ones that are still here, I have nothing but appreciation.

Response by SSgt Edward Firster made Nov 25 at 2025 8:00 AM

SSgt Edward Firster — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:00:35 -0500

My Dad Lt Colonel Kenneth E Firster. He said the Military has the best retirement. He showed me how to make a Military bed. Then we bounced quarters off the blanket

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2025 12:16 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:16:17 -0500

My late uncle inspired me the most. He served as a military priest, and the way he carried himself—with discipline, compassion, and dedication left a deep impact on me. He’s a big part of why I chose this path

Response by SGT David Priode made Nov 28 at 2025 11:03 AM

SGT David Priode — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 11:03:29 -0500

My great uncle Ralph Priode(RIP), And my Uncle Kenneth McCall(RIP). I was too young to remember Uncle Ralph but heard a lot about him through family. He was on a B17 in WWII shot down on his 5th mission and captured by the Germans and spent the rest of the war as a POW. This year I connected with another person who's father was on the same B17 and he informed me about a book written by one of the crew members and it detailed the horrors my great uncle went through. My uncle Kenny fought in Korea during the Korean war and was the best uncle an adopted kid could have, he was one of the first to make me feel part of my new family. Because of them I knew one day I would join the military.

Response by CPL James S. made Nov 28 at 2025 11:11 AM

CPL James S. — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 11:11:03 -0500

Three veterans inspired me, and continue to inspire me. My father, SFC Sirak, a Vietnam veteran who did God-knows-what in the war, was a Drill Sergeant at one point, and ended up a Mess Sergeant with a degree in business and a Chef. The other two veterans come from my days in the USAF Fire Department: MSG Mark Palm and SMSgt Pam Todd. Their leadership and inspiration drew me out of my shell and allowed me to flourish as a firefighter and as a person. The lessons they taught continue to drive me.

Response by SPC Robert Hendrickson made Nov 28 at 2025 12:04 PM

SPC Robert Hendrickson — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 12:04:06 -0500

My inspirational soldiers/officers were, as follows..SFC Alfred Kopveiler..passed, SP4 Carlo A Audisio, cur..living in Sacramento, CA..Cpt. Goldsmith, unk stat on him, 1Lt Havlic, 2Lt Gagnon, 2Lt Denham, unk stats on them, that was my 1st unit, 2nd unit..SSgt Jeffries, SGM of the unit 317th cbt. engr., the asst clerk o/t unit..can't remember his name,..there is a few more s/o .. but those men were a great inspiration for me .. and a enl soldier/later an officer last name Van Hook, was a man who understood both sides of soldering and leading as a man that did his job .. but also understood compassion, and those folks should have been promoted and rewarded as such..I know they will receive their rewards in due time .. seriously

Response by MAJ Steve Daugherty made Nov 28 at 2025 12:21 PM

MAJ Steve Daugherty — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 12:21:21 -0500

I was inspired significantly by 2 men in my life that served in WWII. First, my father who r listed in the Navy at 17. He shared just a little with us about his time in New Guinea and the South Pacific. While he was a red headed Irishman with a bit of a temper, he was a hard worker, a man of integrity who stood by his word and stood up for the weak. He never judged people by appearance or background but by their work ethic and honesty. I also admired my Father in law who was a medic in the army, a Purple Heart recipient. He was a good, kind , hard worker, who was gentle with a great sense of humor. Loved his family and never met a stranger. He was a wonderful grandfather to my children and considerate of the needs of others. I miss them both.

Response by Jill Armijo made Nov 28 at 2025 9:37 PM

Jill Armijo — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 21:37:43 -0500

My veteran came home apparently whole, no missing limbs or noticeable physical injuries. But he wasn't the guy who left. He confused and scared me because he was confused and scared. I felt like he tried to control me, so I wanted to control him. He thought his buddies were trying to kill him, so he considered beating them to it. Our life was mirrors and fear. I worried that our children didn't deserve the fighting we exposed them to. But my hero never gave up living for us. He left a few times but came back each time. He needed us. He resisted harmful substances, addictions, and despair to be the father his kids needed. He still isn't perfect, but neither are we, and he's fought harder than anyone I know to stay with us, take care of us in the ways he can, even though I held down the jobs. He felt ashamed that he couldn't work, saying it was his job to provide for us. I told him he did provide for us by loving us while I worked. He's still scared and delusional every day, but he does the "models" our counselor gives us to shake down his thoughts and decide which ones are worth keeping. Our kids are grown and continually help me care for their dad. They are responsible, productive, happy humans because of what they've experienced, not despite the dad who helped me raise them. One is a PJ in the USAF. I honor my husband's sacrifice and thank God he stays off the street and under our roof, where I love him with all my heart.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Nov 29 at 2025 1:55 AM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 01:55:24 -0500

There are many who inspired me over the years, but if I had to pick one, it would be a dad. He was a WWII Vet who served as a Signalman on an LST in the Pacific. Like so many then, he dropped out of school to serve as soon as he was old enough to enlist. He never talked much about those times, but he was a regular source of inspiration. He also encouraged me to Join the USCG instead of the Navy. It seems they spent a lot of time traveling with a USCG manned LST, and he was impressed with how the CG operated as opposed to the USN.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2025 10:39 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 10:39:59 -0500

1SG James Mosely. He was real about everything. Gave advice, dos & don't, told us what to expect. He didn't sugarcoat it but inspired.