Jeri

My dad is my hero. He's absolutely, hands down, the coolest guy I know. He's turning 84 in August. He's a WWII veteran. He served in the Navy for 16 years. He lied about his age and joined the Navy at the age of 17, so that he could join the war effort. He was born in 1925...It boggles my mind to think about all that he has seen in his lifetime. He's lived through major historical events that I can only read about. My dad has truly lived his life. He was actually drafted and signed with the Cleveland Indians before joining the Navy. When he got out, he was called to try out for the Cincinnatti Reds. (He wasn't able to make it). He was a Golden Gloves Boxer, who kicked the butt of a Golden Gloves champion in a street fight, although he was never technically a champion himself. He frequently won dance and skating contests, and was recruited to go pro with the skating. He worked as a bouncer when he met my mother, but spent the majority of his life as a pipefitter. He's blue collar, pro union, Kentucky redneck, but to know him is to love him. Everyone does. And, you have to remember that he grew up during the depression era. Times were far removed from what they are today. He has, by far, had the most fascinating life of anyone I know. He's lived through 4 heart attacks, had multiple heart surgeries, and now has Parkinson's disease. In spite of this, he is, by far, the strongest man I've ever met.