Veterans Day. A day to honor military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. On November 11, we thank them for their service, patriotism, and sacrifice. Every single one of them has a story to tell. The one I know best belongs to my dad.
Operation Desert Storm
My dad, Luis Carrasco Jr., served in the Navy for a total of eight years. During his time, he played a pivotal role in the combat phase of the Persian Gulf War, lasting from January 17, 1991, to February 28, 1991. The USS Philippine Sea launched 23 Tomahawk cruise missiles during the initial phases of the war. These missiles targeted Iraqi infrastructure, and the USS Philippine Sea was tasked with defending the fleet against potential Iraqi air attacks. He was a part of so much more of the defense systems that became a key asset in the Gulf War.
I’ve always heard some of his stories growing up, but I thought I’d ask more about his experience this Veterans Day.
“They said, ‘This is not a drill’,” he recalled the moment when Operation Desert Storm first occurred, and the missile launched to Iraq. “I said, ‘I’ll never be able to go back home and see my family again.” I was scared. The first time in my life I was really, really scared. That was something that I’ll never forget.”
A Newfound Confidence
While in the Navy, my dad was able to change into a new man. He described his time in boot camp as challenging, but it brought him discipline and taught him a lot.
“I learned to be a better person,” he said. “They push you to do things that you never thought you could do. There’s nothing you can’t do. That’s the way it made me feel. Confidence, and being proud. That’s something nobody can ever take away from me.”
Many Proud Moments
My dad has always made me proud to be his daughter with his many life accomplishments, and he had a lot to be proud of during his service. He moved up in the ranks quite quickly, won all six 5ks on the ship, and won Sailor of the Quarter (recognition programs that honor top-performing enlisted personnel).
“I always look back at that and say I can do it. There ain’t nothing I can’t do.”
A Meaningful Day
It is more than likely that you will see my dad wearing his Desert Storm Veteran baseball cap, but it’s more than just an honorary cap to him. It’s something that brings him joy to represent the special group he is a part of. On Veterans Day especially, he is more than proud.
“You can’t explain it. It feels great and it lightens me up when I’m thanked for my service. Whenever I see a military veteran from Vietnam or the Korean War, I always thank those guys because they’re the ones that laid the foundation.”
The Man Today
I may be biased, but my father is one of the most caring people I know. He looks at the active duty military families today and acknowledges both the dedication and stress of their lives. From missed birthdays, less family time, and other skipped important moments due to deployment, he’s glad that he waited to start a family until after his time in the Navy. The skills he learned then have been applied to his parenting now.
“Like I say, it gave me discipline and it more or less shaped me for what I am today. I know what I need to do to raise my kids. To raise them right.”
My Dad, My Hero
I’ve always been called a Daddy’s Girl. It’s true. I’ll always be his little girl, because throughout my childhood, my dad treated me like his entire world. Now in my adulthood, he still treats me like his entire world. He has taught me strength, perseverance, and love. He has given my brother and me a life that proves he has provided us with care and stories worth passing on to our own children someday.
“I hope I set you and your brother on the right path so that you guys can see what it takes to grow old. That way you can have your family, your kids, and your life.”
We hope that we’ve proved you’ve done so by making you proud, Pops.
On this day, take the time to thank a veteran. Thank my dad for his service if you happen to see him.
Thank you for your service, and thank you for being my daddy.