On the shoulders of giants
Beau Doboszenski, Owner/Lead Instructor
Originally published May 27th, 2019
I come from a family of warriors and servants. Between me and my wife, we’ve had four grandfathers, three uncles, and two cousins who have served in the United States military.
Some members served in the Army and saw combat. This includes an uncle in Vietnam, a cousin in Iraq, and another cousin in Afghanistan.
Three family members served in the Air Force.
Many of these relatives are still alive, and it is always humbling to learn from their experiences and wisdom. But today on Memorial Day I remember those who have passed.
Last week, my wife’s grandfather Bill passed away. He died within hours of the passing of his wife - always the gentleman, Bill waited for her to be at peace before allowing himself to let go. He was 93 years old. Bill had enlisted in the US Army Air Corps during World War 2 and remained in the active duty military for three wars. He dropped bombs as a bomber pilot over Germany, flew resupply missions in Korea, and acted as a liaison for the Air Force in Vietnam. His son, my wife’s Uncle Bill, followed his father into the military via the Air Force Academy. He eventually retired as a Major General, having served as a military aide to President Ronald Reagan among other duties. Bill Jr. lives on as we mourn the loss of Grandad Bill, a great American hero.
My own grandfather, Robert, was too young to fight during World War 2, but he knew his draft would come for Korea so he volunteered instead. He joined the Air Force as a Radar Technician, and maintained a radar station off the coast of the Korean Peninsula, despite being shelled. on several occasions. Robert died in 2013, nine years after his wife died of cancer.
I myself am an Army veteran, but I often feel awkward saying it. I stand on the shoulders of the accomplishments of men like Bill, Robert, Bill Jr., and others. My own four years of service make me feel even more grateful for their lifetime of choices and their example.
This Memorial Day I want to say thank you to all the veterans who read this newsletter, and to all the families who miss their departed veterans today.