Who is a Veteran who inspires you and why?

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!!!

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.

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.