My father, My hero.
My hero is my father George Stephens. As a young guy of 18 right out of High
School he joined the United States Army Air Corp and was trained as an
aerial gunner in heavy and medium bombers eventually doing duty in A-20
Havocs and A-26 Invaders. He was of the generation that fought the dictators
of the world as much for American freedom and values as to defend the
freedoms and independence of peoples around the world who were in danger of
losing theirs. He grew up in the Great Depression in rural New Mexico on a
small ranch often doing without and as the oldest boy helping out as much as
a kid could in those days. Like many of his age he never stopped working and
firmly believed in self-reliance and personal responsibility. Although he
passed away in 1991 I still find myself wishing that I could tell him about
something I have seen or done, especially in the Army, or sharing some funny
story or news event. I am as successful as I am because of the standard he
set for me and I am always measuring my actions against what I think he
would have done. Our Heros are what we judge ourselves against and what we
aspire to be ourselves in the hard times of life. Given that definition, my
father is without a doubt a hero to me and worthy of all my respect and
love.
SFC Scott Stephens
Operations NCO
New Mexico National Guard
FT Bliss,