75 Years

Wow, 75 years. That’s seven and a half decades, three full quarters, a half a century plus twenty-five. It is a whole lot of living one day at a time, one year at a time.

Today is my dad’s birthday and yep, you guessed it from the introduction, he is 75 years old.

My dad spent his life serving his country. He was stationed in New Jersey, Panama, Korea and Virginia. He taught me to be proud to be an American. He wanted me to understand our country’s flag was a symbol of our freedom and it should be respected. Even today, I love standing next to him at a sporting event or other activity where the National Anthem plays. He stands taller, his hand slaps over his heart and his deep baritone resonates into the crowd around him. In that moment, any discontent or disagreements I may have with various issues in our government,melt away and I am reminded of the many who have sacrificed for our country and how truly blessed I am to live here. Even if it is only for the length of a song, it is a reminder to have a deep appreciation that I am an American.

My dad retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant. He went on to serve our country in the civil service as the Chief of the WRM ( War Reserve Material) branch. He travelled the world in his profession. I never really knew exactly what he did for a living. The family joke was he would have to kill us if he told us. Altogether he spent 43 years of his life in faithful service to his country for people like you and me.

Hard working would be an understatement to describe John Greene; for years he worked in the grocery industry in addition to his military service. He is loyal and faithful. His bark is worse than his bite. He is generous. He has a laugh that is so contagious, I have watched grown men cry as they laugh with him. He is a captivating storyteller. He has a compassionate heart. He is a fighter. He is a lover. He is a champion to the underdog. He is one of my biggest cheerleaders. He is an avid Nascar fan. He loves his Pittsburgh Steelers. He is Dad to my sister, Diane and I. He is a loving husband of soon to be 55 years to my mother, Phyllis. He is Pap to grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is one of the smartest men I have ever known.

When I was a little girl, my dad would call home on his CB radio sometimes to let us know he was on the way from his second job and to put the pizza in the oven. I loved hearing the crackle of the airwaves and his booming voice fill our living room. So Dad, this is the KGC 1785 the Little Beaver calling for the White Rabbit, how bout it White Rabbit, you on the air? The Little Beaver wants to thank you for being my dad. I want to tell you I praise God I have been a part of your 75 years for 45. I am proud you are my dad and I love you so very much!

Happy 75th Birthday, Dad!