Bill: I grew up in Northern Illinois as the youngest of three boys. My father worked hard as a truck driver and was often away, while my mother was the glue that held us all together. Both parents didn’t tolerate excuses. They were fine with mistakes, they just didn’t want their boys blaming others when things went wrong. Through them and the lives they’ve lived, they instilled the values of accountability and hard work in me.
When I needed a car, my parents agreed to buy a “beater,” but I had to cover the expenses. I worked long hours at a local fish shop while still playing football and keeping my grades up. Those experiences shaped the work ethic I later passed on to my children.
Faith has always been central in my life. I was raised Catholic, attended weekly CCD classes, and served as an altar boy with my brothers. Around age 12, my curiosity about God and Jesus Christ deepened, and those classes helped shape my belief in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Later, while stationed in Arizona, a chaplain gave me his Bible — a gift from his wife — to help me continue my journey and grow stronger in faith. After meeting Kathy and raising our kids together, my faith has continued to grow. I admire my family, and they make me want to be better.
Kathy: My father served in the Army, and my mother, who was Japanese, immigrated to the U.S. at age 20 without knowing the language. Soon after arriving, she began raising our family. I was the oldest of three, and we remain close today. My father, now living in Augusta, Georgia, is still a people person and incredibly generous. One of his favorite things is buying small stuffed animals from Goodwill to hand out at AA meetings to comfort others.
Because my father was often away, my mother stayed closely involved in our lives. She encouraged independence and would often say, “Kids, you gotta fly.” When I left college after six months, she told me it was time to move out, which pushed me to join the military. I considered the Army, but on my father’s advice chose the Air Force, launching my career.
Growing up, neither of my parents were Christians. However, during one of my father’s assignments, he became a Christian and underwent a dramatic transformation. He gave up drinking, joined Alcoholics Anonymous, and became deeply committed to his faith. Eventually, I became a Christian while serving in the military. My mother followed suit later on.
My parents taught me personal responsibility, determination, and compassion. That I can achieve anything I set my mind to, but I had to actually set my mind to something. Sitting idle was never an option. Their influence helped shape my strong work ethic and deep love for family and community.
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