My father, whose World War II military service was limited to the Army’s Enlisted Reserve Corps, and my grandfather, a World War I veteran, were major influences. In my family, service to your country was something that was expected of you. Someone on either side of my family had served in just about every major conflict our country has fought. For me, it was just something that I felt called to do — an important goal in my list of life experiences. Besides, I’m from the same hometown as Col. Francis “Gabby” Gabreski. I lived near his brother, went to school with his nieces and nephews, and remember vividly the day he flew over our house. I was hooked forever.