...a term that for me requires much respect,this word describes someone who for the sake of their country would sacrifice not only their longtime health but also their life to the best job they can. Not may people have the dedication veterans do. My family has four disabled veterans, my mother, father, and both of my grandfathers.

My father, MDH, proudly relates to me the stories of lessons learned in the Air Force, both as a leader and a follower.The responsibility required with power and the discipline to follow faithfully. My father also told me of the friends he made and problems he solved.

WH, my mother was also in the Air Force. My mother told me of the hard work and discipline it takes to succeed in the military and in life. She also told me of the joy in a job well done.

One of my grandparents, CH, from which I am extremely proud to share a name with, served during war time. This service honed his work ethic and his self discipline so that at the age of seventy-four he still runs his farm and raises cattle with little help. This man has been an asset to his community and a role model for the children in my family.

My grandfather on my mother's side, JBS was shot while serving in World War II. He showed me the scars on his leg and told me that someone had shot him while he defended our country and protecting my freedom. Although he persevered through the ordeal with his wound now he can barely walk through his own house and is dependent on oxygen tanks for respiratory problems. Through all of this I never heard him complain about his pain or difficulty.

All these Veterans, these people who put their life on the line for their country and for the good of every other American. The Veterans in my family served during war time and peace and in doing so brought out the strength in themselves and turned around to teach their values and codes to me. These values are the founding stones that make our country the guardian of democracy and a leader of the free world.

CH Class of 1998