I was born during the Depression. My mother was a very sick woman from the time of my birth in 1932. She was unable to care for me, so I was living in the home of another family, who raised me as their own. After graduating from high school, I got married at an early age, and the Korean War was going strong, which made me eligible for the draft. Rather than be drafted into the army, I joined the U.S. Air Force, where I made a twenty-seven-year career. I made the big show in Vietnam, where I was awarded the Bronze Star. I encountered a close-rocket explosion while there, which created hearing and balance problems. I was also exposed to a deadly spray called Agent Orange. As a result of this exposure, I eventually developed diabetes and prostate cancer, rendering me a 100 percent disabled veteran several years after my discharge. During my twenty-seven years of service, I attended universities for numerous years and obtained my college degree. I am the father of a daughter and two sons. I have eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. At eighty-three years old, I have much to be thankful for and appreciate every day when I can get out of bed and live life to its fullest.