An Absolutely Brilliant Legacy (The Friday Ficks S5 E45)

"Staff Sergeant Carl R. Ficks is hereby Honorably Discharged from the military service of the United States of America. This certificate is awarded as a testimonial of Honest and Faithful Service to this Country."

So reads my father's discharge papers, dated March 11, 1946, and issued by the "Army of the United States." Along with that simple yet profound statement, he received $5.45 in travel pay so he could get home to Hartford, CT from Fort Devens, MA - and $300 in "mustering out pay."

The papers tell part of the story. Drafted as a high schooler in March 1943, he departed from a west coast port in May 1945, arriving in the Asiatic Pacific Theater a month later. He remained on Guam until February 1946, then sailed home. During his service, he collected the Good Conduct Medal, the Victory Medal, and both the American and Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbons.

Like many WWII veterans, my father rarely spoke about his "Honest and Faithful Service.” Instead, he chose to live it - quiet, consistently, and with integrity. His service continued long after the uniform came off: to his wife and children, his employers, friends, neighbors and community.

After his passing in 2009, my mother received a letter from a former neighbor who wrote of the "great kindness that Mr. Ficks bestowed upon our family during the darkest days of my Dad's long struggle with alcohol. With patience, understanding and incredible grace, Mr. Ficks showed us what it meant to show sincere empathy for others...few men that I've met in life walk this Earth with the kind of cheer, friendship, honesty, love and grace that he did...what an absolutely brilliant legacy."

As Veterans Day 2025 approaches, I find myself reflecting not only on the heroes who served this country, but also on the quiet heroes who serve every day - with honesty, faithfulness, and grace.

This weekend, ask yourself: Who can I serve - honestly and faithfully - in building my own absolutely brilliant legacy?

Own the day. Own the weekend.

Carl