The following was originally posted on Google+ on July 25, 2011 – it was entitled “Dad – I’m proud of you!”. My dad, Henry Benton, passed away on October 6, 2014, and during his final 5 years he lived in a retirement community near where I lived in Gaithersburg, MD. Among other things, he loved working for NASA (was one of the first 100 or so employees hired for Goddard Space Flight Center), his family, dad jokes and giving flashlights away for Christmas gifts. We grew close in his final years, and I spend at least a little time every Father’s Day remembering what a great father he was to me. Happy Father’s Day!
I took my Dad to a doctor’s appointment this afternoon and then had a great dinner with him at Macaroni Grill, his favorite restaurant. After years of not really knowing him well, in the six years since my mom passed away I have learned a lot about him and we have become close friends.
After dinner while joking around in his apartment (trying to get his mini-RC helicopter to fly right), I noticed the certificate below. I had seen it before, but didn’t realize that it is a certificate that he received for Exceptional Service from NASA where he spent a 35-plus year career. He was the first non-degreed person to win the award – it’s one of NASA’s highest honors. (Dad served in the Navy at the end of WWII and did not get the opportunity to go to college)
Knowing my Dad achieved excellence with a career of great accomplishment, I am inspired to pursue excellence toward my own mission, and to make my life and career count. I encourage all of you to find your inspiration and seek excellence in your chosen work and in your life’s mission.
Dad – I’m proud of you.
