Being a kid of divorced parents that didn’t get along, he was the kinda grandpa that let me just “sit” with him in peace so no one would ask me a billion questions. Having a “safe space” for me was something I didn’t have often so it means the world to me that he offered that.

He told the whole family to “SHUT THE F* UP…” & went and shook my hand and told me he was “Fucking proud of me” for joining the military when nobody understood.

He wrote me all through basic, AIT & deployment. Found out I ended up being the same MOS in the military as him and had no idea! My father was adopted (his dad) and so this was extra cool and coincidental.

He booked it down a dock when I was little because the fish I was so excited to catch was a catfish. He grabbed it so fast (before I did) and sliced the hell out of his hand.He smiled at me “still showing excitement” and that’s when I learned to always bring a towel with me to “grab” the fish so I don’t get cut.

He had an up north cabin that was my favorite place in the world! I was hoping to take my kids to visit it, but unfortunately that won’t happen. Hopefully one day I can afford an up north cabin for my kids to enjoy the wonders of family time in a small cabin with fires, s’mores, game nights & more.

Love you grandpa! Hopefully you’re up there causing chaos!

– Amber Hawkins 
American Legion Post 54 Member
8 Years Service – 91B All Wheeled-Diesel Mechanic