Patriotism has been ingrained in my family for generations. My great-grandfather fought in the Civil War, and my grandfather served in the Army during World War I, receiving the Purple Heart after being gassed by the Germans at the Battle of Argonne Forest. During World War II, my father served six years aboard ships in the Navy, while his brother fought in Europe with the Army. My mother also contributed to the war effort as a supervisor at the Smyrna, Del., munitions plant.

Our family’s military lineage stretches back to the American Revolution, making service to our country a deeply rooted tradition. With this legacy, it was only natural that I, too, would answer the call to serve. I joined the Navy, where I proudly navigated both submarines and surface ships for 22 years, ultimately retiring as a chief quartermaster and surface warfare specialist.

The Navy gave me the opportunity to uphold my family’s tradition of service while exploring the world, mastering the art of navigation, and ensuring that every ship and crew I served with reached their destinations safely. I take great pride in having carried on this legacy, and my time in the Navy remains one of the most defining experiences of my life.