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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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/

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.