Before I start with my capstone project I want to take a little time to thank a few people who helped me get to this point in my life. Many experiences and people in a person’s life shape who they are, but none more than their parents. I have learned so much from them and as I grow older I see more of them in myself. My mother taught me from an early age that life is not fair and that if I wanted something that I had to go out and earn it. She taught me the value of working hard every day to meet my goals and she set a great example for me to follow. My father taught me to look at life with a sense of humor and to always believe that I could accomplish anything. It is his sense of humor in me that helps me keep a positive attitude on life when things get tough. Lastly he taught me that no dream is too big and he always told me that I could accomplish them if I wanted to work hard enough at it. I am who I am because of my parents and I want to thank them for all they have done in my life. They taught me to be hard working, honest and respectful; traits that have helped me become who I am today.
The Second person that I want to thank is someone that I never expected to be in my life, but I couldn’t imagine where I would be without him. Don Jacobson came into my life when I was at a crossroads and helped steer me in the right direction. He never told me what to do, only how I should be doing more with my life. He encouraged me to go into the Air Force and to finish college. He always found a way to make me see where I should be and how to get there. I have come to rely on his guidance and wisdom and he has never failed me. He was the greatest mentor that I could ask for. I hope he knows how much he has touched my life. If I all I ever accomplished in my lifetime was to touch someone’s life the way he did mine I could die and be happy with what I accomplished. Thank you Jake for all you have done, you’ll probably never know how much you truly mean to me.
Last I want to thank my beautiful wife Lisa. She has been by my side through everything and I owe her the most thanks. She knows firsthand what sacrifice is and has made many so that I can pursue my Air Force career. She hated to see me spend my free time going to school instead of with her, but yet still encouraged me not to quit and to keep persevering. She gave me the strength to continue when I had none. To her I owe everything and I want to thank her for all that I have done and accomplished in my life. I love you and I wouldn’t have been able to complete this without you. You are now and forever will be my soul mate.
