Dads. They are there for you when you are at your worst and they are there when you are your best. When I was younger my dad was just a dad. He was there to be my chauffeur to and from sports practices and the guy that made sure I was awake for school on time.

My dad was the one who was always there in the background. He made it to every event I ever had and walked me through life always staying in the back while being the most supportive one there.

From dance recitals at the age of 5 to musicals at the age of 13 to singing the National Anthem at countless events, my dad has always been there. He is the guy that recognizes when I have a bad week and greets me with a hug when I return home from a long day.

As I've gotten older, my dad has turned from just a regular dad to a full-fledged superhero. He notices when I have a headlight out and takes the time to change it for me rather than reminding me a hundred times to get it done. He washes the car I drive when he does his own knowing it would take me days to get to the car wash. He always asks me if I need some "bucks" whenever I am going somewhere or if I mention that I need to fill my gas tank.

I spent my childhood always seeing my dad in a uniform. Whether it was a police uniform or his Army uniform, I rarely saw him in civilian clothes. As a kid, I did not understand the gravity of what my dad was doing. As I grew older I learned exactly what he did as a police officer to keep our community safe and it took even more time for me realize the great things he was doing for our country when he left the house in his camouflage uniform only to return days later.

While my dad was in the background he was shaping me to be a strong, independent, and proud American. He instilled in me values and morals that I never knew I needed. I look at my dad now and see someone who is so much more than just a dad, he is a true life saving superhero.