I always looked up to him in a way, even before I realized it. Anytime he would come home every few years everyone would be waiting by the door, hoping to see him pull up the gravel driveway. I had imagined him as this larger than life superhero figure growing up, as everyone always talked about how brave he was, and how he was serving the country. I never really knew him as he never stayed long enough to have a conversation with a six year old at the time. I found my spot not in the air force, but wanting to be in the navy. I would go away and everyone would be just as excited when I got home, but I also didn't want to be the same, as I would try to come home for christmas, and if I couldn't I would call from wherever I