Lasting Impact

As a young child I would listen to my grandfather tell stories of being in WWII. There was a certain bit of fascination, almost like a romance, as I would curl up in his lap and look at a family photo book. Granddad never talked about battles in the war itself, although he was a well-decorated soldier, he was not one to talk much about himself.  

There was a photo of him as a young Army officer in Europe. This photo, for reasons I do not know, captured my heart and imagination. I wanted to be that man one day.  

That photo and childhood dream, followed by a single decision a little over 34 years ago would influence the trajectory of my life.  

On a hot, humid South Carolina summer day I walked into the local recruiter’s office and enlisted in the US Marine Reserve at the age of 17. I was too young to enlist myself. My mom reluctantly agreed to sign on the dotted line. By the stroke of a pen, and some slick talking from my recruiter, I was heading off to basic training to earn the title of United States Marine.

It was not long after stepping off the bus onto the yellow footprints at Parris Island SC that my real education began. That muggy morning in May 1990, I was also stepping into my season of becoming.  

As a young Marine, I began to discover how I learn, that I am a kinesthetic learner. Let me see it, touch it, do it – have that hands on experience. I also was learning the importance of motivation, teamwork, having a dream, and setting goals.  

It was not until after I had transferred from the Marines to become an officer in the Army, did I learn that my granddad had done the same thing. Unbeknownst to me, I was literally following in his footsteps. 

Fast forward to 2023, I have been retired for over a decade now, not having reached the rank of Lt. Colonel as my grandfather did. Never deployed overseas, but had a fulfilling and rewarding career. In my closet hang two uniforms, one my Dress Blue Marines (E4), and the other my Army Class A (O4). In my mind hang many memories, shared stories with great friends, as well as challenging times.  

Just as my grandfather, our veterans have guarded and protected so that others can sleep safely in their own homes. Their stories and experiences are vast, often untold. Many flew or sailed to parts of the world where only a few others would have the courage to go. Some remained stateside, which is equally important. In times of peace and times of war our veteran’s families also made sacrifices that most of us could never imagine making. Collectively, our veterans and their families answered the call so that others would not have to and still do today.

Be mindful of your time with others. Those small moments with others, can have a big impact. Just as my granddad never realized the impact he had one me, you may or may not realize the impact you have on others.  

To my fellow Veterans, thank you for your service. For all who have served, are serving today and to those who will serve in the future.  

Take some time today, and thank a #Veteran.   

Semper Fi!