This is my dad.
He retired as an E9 Master Gunnery Sargent. I guess that’s as high as you can go as an enlisted officer. (He’s a really big deal.) We went to a Marine Corps Ball one year and the young guys there treat him like a rock star.
When I was a kid, most of my friends (especially my guy friends) found him slightly terrifying. It was probably not too fun to pick one of his daughters up at the house for a date. He’d answer the door or the phone and scare the boys. On more than one occasion he would be sure to answer the door while cleaning one of his hunting rifles….
I love him so much and am so proud of him! He helped me to discover my love of DIY. He can build just about anything. (You darn well better want the edges routed, though…)
Family legend has it that he enlisted at 17 but fibbed and said he was 18.
He flew helicopters.
He did 2 tours in Vietnam.
He was shot down, lived to tell the tale and got out of there unscathed. (Why my mom thinks that he can’t match his clothes without her help or go to the local grocery store without getting lost is beyond me…)
My mom was every bit the trooper he was… at home waiting and praying.
So many individuals have given everything… So many families have sacrificed so much for our country.
Thank you to all of our service men and women and their families. We are forever in your debt.
Happy Veteran’s Day.
Krystyn says
God Bless your dad and your family and his service!
(And, I’d probably call him out on the socks and the grocery store, too!)
Rosetta says
Complimenti hai un bellissimo papà.
Ciao
Stacey says
God bless our servicemen and women!
“Even if you are nothing but critical of this country, the mere fact that you can voice those criticisms is a testament to the freedoms afforded to us.” AMEN!
Steph says
Your dad is a rock star!
Richella says
Amen, amen, amen. A 21-gun salute to all veterans, today and every day.
And to be a gunny IS a big deal. I’d say “bad-ass” is a great way to describe him.
Love these photos! Thank you for sharing them.
Becca @ R We There Yet Mom? says
What a sweet tribute to a true hero!
Thank you for linking up!
~Becca
Shannon@FoxHollowCottage says
I’ve spotted that handsome dad of yours in Monica’s wedding photos. The backround story is so interesting though. I am thankful evryday for our military. Happy Veterans Day to your dad and all who serve, past, present and future.
Connie says
Thank you to your Daddy!
He looks great in that uniform!
Shawn says
Your Daddy truly is your hero!
My Dad still gets upset when vets are recognizes as he is not able to stand amongst them. He was a horrible asthmatic as a young man was not allowed to enlist. It shames him even though there should be no shame. It breaks my heart to watch his face fall a little when he has to watch the men his age stand while he stays sitting.
Thank you to you Dad for all that he did to make this country as great as it is!
MiMi says
Thank you for sharing this, Viv. I didn’t know that about your dad.
That’s awesome.
Semper Fi!
Kim @ Sand and Sisal says
Vivienne,
What a beautiful tribute to your father! I miss mine. Living here in the largest navel base in the world, this day is a very special one for our community! Many thanks to all who have and currently serve our country.
~ KIM
Pamela says
Adorable post — that’s awesome you have so many pictures of his service time!
Pamela @pbjstories.blogspot.com
Emmy says
What a beautiful tribute! And thank you to your dad for giving a life of service- our country is what it is because of men like him.
Kelli says
You tell your dad I said THANK YOU. How amazing is he???!!!
Anonymous says
I know that dude.
Gigi Baby says
Thanks Vivi’s dad! He is a strapping looking young man!! My dad also served!! I honestly don’t think we can thank them enough!!
Loves and likes ya <3
Gigi
Evelene S says
We are so lucky to have Dad’s who honored and sacrificed for their country.
Kelly says
Said fabulously!
We are so blessed to enjoy our freedom that your Dad and others paid for. God bless him!
(And LOVE your point that your Mom matches his clothes, despite all he has done, how sweet is that?)
Good Time Charlie says
This is the sweetest post. How lucky you are to have such an amazing dad, and you still have both your parents with you! Mark and I both had Grandparents and Great Uncle serve in World War Two. So many stories that need to be told and passed on to our children, lest they think “freedom” is just something we automatically are entitled to by privilege of being born in this great country. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful post. (and I feel really sorry for the boys you dated in high school…)
~ Laura says
Thank you for sharing about your wonderful Dad!! It is no small thing that he did for all of us and I am so thankful for men such as him. Your love for him just shines through your beautiful words and pictures. 🙂
Hugs to your Dad and to you!!! 🙂