My father made my life better
My father’s birthday is 30 years apart, so both of us celebrate milestones. He would have been 90 years old on 18 Dec. 23. He passed away on Jan. 25, 2016.
Both of my parents lived in the South. Little Richard, who was a singer and entertainer, describes the way of life in the South: “There were signs on the water fountain — ‘colored’ and ‘white.’ The white fountain would be electric and would have cool water. The black one would be rusted, 12 or 15 years old, no cooling. … You knew your place and how to stay out of trouble. … You knew if you stayed there, you wouldn’t be able to accomplish the things you wanted for yourself.” (“The Life And Times Of Little Richard,” pg. 19)
My father joined the Air Force in 1955. My mother had a choice: continue her nursing career or marry my father. By joining the military, my father caused the whole family to be successful.
I do not remember why I had this conversation with my father: “Dad, you should be proud of what you accomplished. A distinguished 22-year career in the Air Force. Another 23 years as a civilian working on Edwards Air Force Base (driving with his wife with 27 years’ experience). Dad, I am proud of what you accomplished.” My father looked at me, shook his head and walked away. I am so glad that I told him this.
After my father’s death, my mother told me of a conversation that my grandfather had with my father. My grandfather told him that he would never accomplish anything. My father never told me about this.
Looking back, I always wondered why he always downplayed his accomplishments. My grandfather was 100% wrong. My father’s accomplishments as a communications specialist included working with planning out the telephone cable layout on Edwards AFB, and working with the space shuttle. Only a few African-Americans on base were at a GS-12 level.
In the military, he volunteered as an equal opportunity treatment specialist, helping resolve discrimination complaints filed by military members. He also mentored the young airmen. Three ministers officiated over his funeral, in which one of the ministers was in the military who my father mentored years earlier.
At his military funeral, our family was surprised at the number of people that came. He made my life better by providing opportunities for me to succeed in life. Vincent White
Lancaster