My father was a Captain in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot and was honored with 4 bronze stars and a purple heart. He married his high school sweetheart Lynda and had 2 children. He was a champion downhill skier, a competitive couples dancer, enjoyed golf and traveling and acting silly with kids. He was deeply loved by friends and family and diagnosed with ALS at the age of 65 in May 2006. He earned a 35-year safety award flying helicopters as a career, but never got the chance to enjoy his retirement as he passed away 6 months later on Thanksgiving morning 2006. He is missed dearly by everyone.