Father's Day Weekend - Celebrating the men who supported our service

2014-06-14T01:06:46-04:00

For me, it means more this year than ever. My Father and best friend, USAF Lt Col (Ret) Tom Charters joined our Lord above in March of this year and now takes to the same skies that his beloved SR-71 once did. I couldn't have made it through the challenges of military life without his guidance. His life and positive attitude not only touched me, but all of my military brothers and sisters who knew him.

Please celebrate this weekend, spend some priceless time together, and remember all the great things your father gave you. We are only here for a short time and make these moments count.

Did you serve with or after your Father? If you don't mind sharing, I'd like to know how your father influenced your military career. Have a great weekend and thanks to all the dads out there.

Response by CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2014 1:12 AM

2014-06-14T01:12:35-04:00

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Jun 14 at 2014 10:22 AM

2014-06-14T10:22:36-04:00

My father was drafted and served for three years in the Army. Proud to follow his lead! It must have influenced my entire family as my oldest brother enlisted in the Air Force for 4 years, my next brother enlisted in the Air Force for 13 years, my younger brother served in the Coast Guard Reserve for over 20 years and, I served for 20 years. Way to go, Dad!

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2014 11:46 AM

2014-06-14T11:46:58-04:00

My dad never served in the military, but he definitely served our family. Of all the things I learned from him, having an "attitude of gratitude" is what stands out the most. I can't remember ever hearing him complain or say a bad thing about anyone or any circumstance. He was always willing to share what he had and lend a hand to someone in need.

The military and medical communities are a couple of the last places where "service" is inherent to the job. I think when we focus on what we have, and not what we don't, we're able to see the needs of others and serve them more freely.

Be thankful today and every day.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2014 8:11 AM

2014-06-15T08:11:21-04:00

My father joined the US Air Force during the Vietnam War and flew in reconnaissance planes in Vietnam. He left the service after 1 tour and 4yrs service but went to work for the US Postal Service for next 32yrs. In 2009, I came down on orders for Germany but was hesitant to go because he was battling cancer. He surprised us by driving from South Texas to Fort Sill, OK over 2 days (on his own). He told me to take my family and go enjoy life. Then he stayed around for a week to help with the packing and play with his grandkids. He died in 2010, but his memory lives on. Happy Father's Day daddy!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2014 8:13 AM

2014-06-15T08:13:35-04:00

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Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2014 11:34 AM

2014-06-15T11:34:57-04:00

Throwback - Father's Day 2013!

Response by Maj Walter Kilar made Jun 15 at 2014 5:42 PM

2014-06-15T17:42:40-04:00

My father retired as a Master Sergeant (MSgt, E-7) after 23 years in the Air Force, when I was about 16 years old. When it became my turn to join, naturally I wanted to distance myself as much as possible from my dad by going into the Army through ROTC/ SMP. After a year of that crap, I acceded that dad was right and I followed his footsteps by enlisting into the Air Force. That was the best decision I ever made. The second-best decision I ever made was to throw away all my brain cells and common sense by crossing over as an officer from Technical Sergeant (TSgt, E-6). I had the most fun in my career as an E-5 and E-6. At those ranks, I felt the most connected to my dad, and I finally started to understand what the old man went through. I remember the reasons he stated for retiring at E-7 when he could have made E-8 and E-9, and I decided that for the reasons he retired at E-7 I should cross over to the Dark Side from E-6. Even though our careers never crossed, I think the old man taught me a lot that has made me a successful officer, and a more successful father.