Human nature being what it is, this man waited a long time to be be inducted into
my "Hall of Heroes" although he deserved the very first assignment. That is now all water over the dam, and we have grown to be
more than father and son, we are confidants and he is my absolute closest friend. From him I learned lifes most important lessons.
The Hallmarks of Life. The value of a mans HONOR, a sense of DUTY to ones God, Country and Friends. He taught me that it is
more important WHO you are, than WHAT you are, and that a man should be judged by his INTEGRITY not by his place in life.
His life lesons were learned in word and tempered in the crucible of war, for him and then later for myself. His trial by fire in the
Marianas Islands: Saipan, Tinian. Mine in the sky over Viet Nam. We share the common bond of warriors and an understanding of the
desperate cost of freedom and the terrible costs of war.
He passed onto
me our Family Folklore and took the time to share and teach me inumerable skills that simply make life worth living. I share his
passion for angling, hunting and being close to Gods good earth. We spend countless hours together straining the water and reminicing.
I cannot think of anything else that I would rather do with a life than spend it like he has his. A man of unquestionable Courage, Loyalty and
dedication to his Family, Friends, God, and his Country.
&
Most Important of All
"MY FATHER"
