My father became a U.S. citizen on Ellis Island in 1923 after leaving Ireland due to his involvement in the Irish Revolution. He loved the freedom of America, which he’d never known growing up. In 1941, he proudly joined the Maryland Army National Guard and served throughout the war. His first two children - sons - joined the Navy and Marines respectively during the Korean War.

Due to my formative years of military upbringing and very patriotic family, I was compelled to serve. I joined the Navy, for travel experience and sea duty, which never happened, as women were not on ships in 1973, However, I got to travel to NAS Rota in Spain and made so many memories I cherish. I am proud I joined. I am still patriotic and am chaplain of Alderton-Dawson Post 60 and a member of the Tri-State Honor Guard.