I have been fortunate to learn many lessons in my short life, and many were taught by my father. I have learned about trust, hard-work, and the importance of volunteering.

My dad has an inspiring story about growing up. He was born in Morris, IL; the oldest child to a Caterpillar Construction worker and a secretary at the Joliet Armory. Being the oldest child of five children, my dad had to lead by example. He got a job when he was young (15-years-old) at a Coca-Cola machine, helped out on his uncle’s farm, and worked hard at school. Less than half of his senior class graduated, of that only two went to college (one of whom was Dad). My dad went to North Central College to study pre-law and chemistry. He worked hard, paid for college, and got a law degree. Hearing my dad’s story about growing up only strengthened my belief in the reality of the American Dream.

My dad got me into the Scouting program when I was about seven years old. I had some of the best summers with the Scouts: fishing, camping, fires, and the usual shenanigans that teen boys are up to when they don’t have their cellphones. Dad was my cubmaster during a portion of my Cub Scout years (ages 7-11) in Pack 48. After I had moved on from Cub Scouts, my dad was awarded the Cubmaster of the Year award in 2009. Through scouting, I was taught things such as gun safety, responsibility, first aid, know tying (yes, that’s a thing), and how to be a good leader. I eventually achieved the rank of Eagle Scout (the highest rank in Scouting) and became a member of the Order of the Arrow (Scouting’s national Honor Society) alongside my father. In 2008, Dad was awarded the District Award of Merit, not easily achieved (especially when he’s raising three crazy teens, working as an attorney, and pursuing other volunteer opprotunities).

My dad taught me a lot of lessons over the years, and perhaps I picked up my sense of patriotism from. Dad was a public servant, a member of the DuPage County Board for about ten years, and he often took my brothers and me with him to meetings to see how communication from both political parties made it easier to compromise and get things done at the local level (something that hasn’t been witnessed at the state or federal level in years). Being around politics made my awareness about the subject blossom, and as of my sophomore year I declared a major in Political Science. My dad also made me aware of the differences between Republicans and Democrats. As I grew older, I realized I disagreed with my dad on some things, but I knew that I could approach my dad with any questions about politics and he would give me a non-biased answer, and I did not have to fear getting into an argument with him. About six years after my dad left the County Board, I ran (and won) for Precinct 108 Committeeman in Downers Grove.

My dad has kept busy over the years, keeping involved with local politics, his law practice, keeping my brothers and I entertained with Scouting, and also involved with charities and local community organizations. My dad was a keynote speaker at the DeVry University graduation in 2010, and noted that it was not how much money one made but what made them happy that made one successful. In 2006, Dad was honored by United Way of Metropolitan Chicago as the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. Gosh, Dad looked so proud, and I could not stop thinking “Wow, I have the best dad in the world.”

It’s been 10 years since Dad received his reward from United Way, but I’m still proud to say that I have the best Dad in the world.

Dad, if you read this, I’m proud of you and thank you for all you do. I couldn’t ask for a better dad.