I have always loved history, not only because of what it represents, but also because of the lessons it holds.

I devour books and documentaries about historical events, and I have a particular passion for aviation history and World War II. My father, who died of cancer when I was six, was an ace fighter pilot in the Pacific Theater during that conflict.

I have been so lucky that throughout my life I have been able to visit many historical sites around the world, which in my opinion is really the only way to appreciate them to the fullest.

I have biked the Ho Chi Minh trail in Vietnam, visited the beaches of Normandy, walked through the cradle of humanity in Africa, and toured Civil War battlefields throughout the United States.

One of my biggest thrills came in 2018, when I was able to visit New Guinea and see the airfield where Dad flew and lived. In the photo below, I am standing on the runway at a place called Dobodura where he and other young men of the “Greatest Generation” took off to battle the Japanese in 1943.

It was an unreal visit, and I could almost feel the ghosts of my father and the other pilots who fought and died there. It was just another reminder to me of why all our pasts should be cherished and celebrated.

I strongly believe that history deserves to be remembered, and it deserves to be remembered accurately and with respect.

I also believe just as strongly that everyone has a story that is worth telling. I have been blessed to be able to tell many, many stories in my lifetime, and I am very much looking forward to giving voice to stories that have yet to be told.