Father's lessons carried into life

  • Published
  • By Maj. Ian Veatch
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Command Post
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  As Father's Day approaches, I am reminded of my youth.

I had my dad to thank to keep me in line. I caused trouble, as many boys do, and would hear my mom say, "Wait until your father gets home."

That was never my favorite phrase. However, when it came down to it, I was more afraid of disappointing my father than any repercussions that may follow.

My dad played catch with me in the backyard, took me to Seattle Mariners games and helped me with my homework. He would get excited for me if I had a good game, a good report card or constructed one of the ugliest pine wood derby cars ever created.

I always wanted to make my dad proud. I was fearful of disappointing my father, yet somehow my dad was always there to support me even if I failed. He would only really get upset with me if I was disrespectful to other people. I didn't quite comprehend all of this in my youth, but as I got older, I was thankful for the lessons I received.

When I decided to join the Air Force my dad was extremely proud. I got my pilot slot and he was even more proud. In the whirlwind of moving away from home, commissioning, pilot training, deployments, getting married and having my own children, I continued to receive positive reinforcement from my dad.

It wasn't until my mom got sick that I realized how much I had separated from my family. I had always viewed being separated from a family as being separated from your spouse and children, but there was my dad, 2,000 miles away as he took care of my dying mother by himself. I took all the leave I had to help my dad out as much as I could, yet I still didn't feel as I was helping him as much as I should. Throughout this difficult time, I felt as if I was disappointing my dad yet he was still supportive of me as I served the Air Force.

After my mother died, I struggled with my decision to stay in the Air Force. I felt sorry for myself. I wanted to be closer to my dad after he had given me everything and was dealing with so much by himself. I felt as if I had let him down. But my dad had a different outlook.

My dad told me he was proud of me. He told me he was happy I served our nation and he was honored to be my father. It was at that point I realized the sacrifices of joining our Air Force were not just burdened by myself, but by my whole family. My dad wanted me to succeed. My dad's support refocused me and reminded me of service before self.

The lessons and love I received from my dad have made me what I am today and I'm thankful. It makes me want to be a better officer, better father and better man. It's not just the Airman who puts service before self, their family does too.

I hope to one day be the man my father is. We all have a mentor somewhere, mine is my father. Thank you Dad and to all the fathers out there for the sacrifices you have made. Happy Father's Day.