Altho we lost dad to myloproliferative disorder (kinda like leukemia) back in '03, we still wish him happy birthday.
I was blessed to have a dad for 44 yrs of my life, since many kids these days don't have a dad for 4 yrs of their lives.
He was my best friend and started me fishing at age 3 and shooting bb gun at 4, .22 at 6 and youth competitions at age 8, which helped me get to the National Championships at Camp Perry OH by my Sr Hi School years. He trapped before and during the depression but we never trapped together. I did not learn until the year after he passed.
Dad was drafted for WW2 in '42 and when they found out he just learned German, in honor of our German ancestry, they sent him to Europe, put him in the Signal Corps, Army Air Corps, put headset on him and told to "listen to the Germans and when you hear something interesting, tell an officer." So we'd know what they were gona do, before they did it.
When it looked like we'd be going to Korea, they had him learn Korean...for intercepting radio transmissions...with those same orders.
Between wars, he became an industrial liason officer tween electronics companies like RCA and Sperry Rand and GE and tested the instrumentation going in the Army's tanks n planes, then wrote recommendations as to whose instruments we purchased.
He was 38 when he met mom, age 22, on a blind date, set up by his secretary, on New Yrs eve '58 and they were married 5 wks later on Groundhog Day. I only heard turse/sharp words tween them a few times.
After 20 yrs, in '62 he retired as a Captain on a Friday, then retrurned as a Civilian worker on Monday, same office, same staff, for another 14 yrs.
As we were getting sucked into Vietnam, YOU GUESSED IT, they had him learn Vietnamese, to intercept their radio transmissions to give us a heads up, THIS TIME he was often kept just offshore due to the advances in electronics/parabolas, etc.
Retired AGAIN, in '76 with 34 yrs with Dept of the Army. when I WAS IN 11TH GRADE !!!!!!
No more skipping classes and going to Johnny's house!...lol.
We were blessed to NOT move around like most Army families, since ASA (Army Security Agency) is only stationed in Arlington Va.
When cleaning out his desk, we found some order papers saying "keep Capt. John as safe as humanly possible, we do not want his capture."
He was part of The Greatest Generation, the last generation where most men had true character, your word and handshake were as good as a written contract.
HE is why I "buy a soldiers meal every chance I get" as in my signature below.
And, HE is why we are involved with The Fallen Outdoors, an org offering Vets and Soldiers hunting, trapping and fishing opportunities. Each state has a chapter.
I implore each of you to get involved with TFO in your state.
THANKS DAD, for all the great memories. I sorely miss you.
Johnny

(pic of Dad in '44 in Europe and his flag and medals from WW2 and Korea but not Vietnam.)

That was and is wonderful tribute to your Dad and to others that have served! I will look into the The Fallen Outdoors.

EDIT for those that are interested.

https://thefallenoutdoors.com/

Chris

Very nice !