Richard E. Brown

My late Grandfather Richard Brown is my hero because he helped mold me into the person I am today. He is a hero not only because of his service to our country, but also because of how he inspired not only his grandchildren, but everyone he met to live life to the fullest.

When World War II broke out he enrolled in the Army Air Corps at the age of 17. He spent the entire war at a base in England and flew 35 successful missions over Germany as a tail gunner on a B-24 bomber. Children who lived nearby immediately were drawn to him because he would trade his rationed cigarettes with his fellow airmen for candy and ration it out among all the children. At one point, he was shot down over France and had to sneak his way through France to avoid being captured by the Germans. He eventually made it back to friendly territory and was returned to his base.

After being honorably discharged from the Air Force he opened a Napa Auto Parts store in his hometown of Syracuse New York where he worked for over 30 years. He also became involved with stock car racing at the local racetrack where he raced his handmade race car. Furthermore, he also started his own horse stable where he owned and showed over 15 horses.

Having the honor of knowing my grandfather has certainly enriched my life. At a young age when everyone else was sitting around the table talking he was the one on the floor playing with all my toys with me, he got as much enjoyment out of it as I did. Every year he would make the trip from New York to Pennsylvania to attend my elementary school's "Grandparents Day". Having the opportunity to hear his stories about the war and everything he went through certainly has had an impact on my life with how I view the world and will continue to impact me for the rest of my life. His caring and compassion for me as well as everyone he met certainly inspired me as to how I want to live my life. His passing in 2003 made me realize that I had to live up to his legacy and I can only hope that I live my life half as good as he lived his.