My family association with the American military dates back to the Revolutionary War and well over a century with Shattuck School (now Shattuck-St. Mary’s School) in Faribault, Minnesota. My great-grandfather, Capt Asa Abbott was military commandant from 1886 to 1901. My grandfather, Charles Newhall, started in 1888 and returned to serve as headmaster from 1916 to 1936. My father and I continued the family legacy which was very important to me growing up. I respect the men of my family.
It was, however, my grandmother who shaped me and encouraged me to attend Shattuck and seek out a military career, not because she thought I needed to shape up, but because she wanted me to be a warrior.
My grandmother would talk to me about my ancestors honor on the battlefield. She told me that defeat is the stepping-stone to the next victory. Learn from defeats and do not make the same mistake twice.