Veterans Day has always been a very important day in my family. When I think of Veterans Day, I think of those who sacrificed everything, including their lives, in some cases, to allow us to enjoy the freedoms we enjoy today. Two veterans have helped shape me into the man I am today.

My grandfather, Wayne Duke, served in the United States Marines. He was a corporal during the Korean War. Though he never made it into the history books, my grandfather made a profound impact on me through the six years of my life he was with me.

Growing up without my father in my life, my grandfather essentially stepped in and helped raise my brother and me. He treated us like his own children, and he taught both of us about life. He taught us not only how to strive to reach the goals we have set for ourselves in life, but he also taught us how to be godly men.

Without my grandfather, my brother probably would not be here now. When he was a baby, my brother quit breathing. My grandfather came in and got him back, and they took him to the hospital. I wasn't born at this point (I've heard the story numerous times), but this is just one example of the many things my grandfather did for us.

The other veteran who has been very influential in my life is the youth leader at Pine Mountain Community Church, Shane Williams. Shane was a Marine during the Clinton administration. During his time in the Marines, he went through a very difficult time, and found peace and comfort in Psalm 91, a passage that he still clings to today. Since the April 27, 2011 tornadoes, Shane has had a copy Psalm 91 that fell among the debris from the storms that blew through Tuscaloosa and Birmingham in a frame.

Today, Shane is a Homicide Detective with the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office. He has been there for around fifteen years. He says that his time in the military helped prepare him for the job he has now.

Shane helped develop me into the person I am today by leading me on the right path to God. Through his leadership of the youth over the last ten years, Shane has encouraged me and led me into the position of leadership. Because of the impact he has had on me, it is my prayer that if it's in God's plan for my life, He will one day lead me to Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, to focus on youth leadership.

Shane has allowed me the opportunity to help lead the youth with him while I am home, and through his leadership and impact on my life, I hope to have the impact he has had on me on others I may encounter, whether I am leading youth or teaching math.

Many who go into the military often use John 15:13 as their source of inspiration. This verse says, "No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends (CSB)." Those who go into the military know that there is always that possibility that, if they go to war, they may not make it home. They put their lives on the line so that we can enjoy our freedom to worship God, go to school, pursue whatever career we want to, and many other things. They demonstrate what true love and dedication to their country is.

As we celebrate Veterans Day again, take timeout of your day throughout the week to thank veterans. Do an act of kindness for a veteran throughout the week to show them that you appreciate what they have done for us.

Semper Fi, and thank you to all veterans for your service!