With today being Veteran’s Day - everyone should take a moment to think about all of the men and women that currently serve or have served in our country’s military to ensure us the freedoms that we enjoy on a daily basis.  I come from a military family, so my thankfulness starts there, in memory of my amazing grandfather, William R. Sisley, Sr. (Captain, USN, Ret.), who passed away in 2004 during Hurricane Ivan in Pensacola, FL.  In memory of my equally amazing uncle, Walter Carl Joller Jr. (Captain, USN, Ret.), who left us unexpectedly in January of this year.  And last but not least, in honor of my wonderful father, William R. Sisley, Jr. (Captain, USN, Ret.), who is enjoying retirement and spending his days being the best “Pop Pop” that two kids could ever know.

My grandfather served in the U.S. Navy for 32 years, retiring with the rank of Captain.  He was a fighter pilot, flying F6 Hellcat’s in WWII and F9 Panther’s in the Korean War.  On Feb 28, 1950, he made the Navy’s first night jet landing on the USS Valley Forge and was featured in TIME Magazine for this accomplishment.  He is listed in the National Naval Aviation Museum’s National Flight Log here.

My uncle John (we called him Uncle John) served in the U.S. Navy for 30 years, retiring with the rank of Captain.  He flew E2 Hawkeyes and after retirement was a Scientist for the U. S. Government.

My father served in the U.S. Navy for 27 years, retiring with the rank of Captain.  He was an accomplished E2 Hawkeye pilot, flying in missions in Libya and Lebanon.  He is listed in the National Naval Aviation Museum’s National Flight Log here.

Thank you to them for their years of service, and to all the other Veteran’s that risk so much and for all the sacrifices they make for our freedom.