Today I have been listening to the soundtracks from “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific” as I begin to work on the video which will honor the 90 or so Soldier-Heroes who we’ll honor at the 2011 U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio.

I recently learned that my favorite uncle, Paul C. Assum, served in the 4^th Marine Division in the Pacific during World War II.  I always knew Uncle Paul was a Marine but never knew until the last few weeks where he’d served.

The 4^th Marine Division fought in the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Tianin, and Iwo Jima.  The history books are full of the stories of the terrible fighting that took place on those far away islands.  The HBO series “The Pacific” brought it to life and now I know what Uncle Paul and his fellow Marines went through.

Uncle Paul, like so many others of his generation, never talked about their war experiences.  But he was one proud Marine as was my dad who served during the Korean Conflict.  They inspired my cousin David (Uncle Paul’s son) to join the Marines and to serve in Vietnam.  And it was their service that helped to inspired me to serve as well.

I share my birthday with Uncle Paul (May 25).  That may in part explain why he was my favorite uncle.  But it was about more than a shared birthday.   It was his service as a Cincinnati Policeman; his  dedication to and pride in his family, including his nieces and nephews; and his loyalty to the country and the Marine Corps that made him special to me.

I don’t think there was anyone prouder when I joined the Army than Uncle Paul.   

Of course, Uncle Paul, Dad, and my cousin David weren’t the only members of the family who served.  Several of my uncles served in the Army and one in the Navy.  My father-in-law, the late Martin Lowenstein served in the Coast Guard and piloted a troop carrier to Omaha Beach on D-Day. 

It is unfortunate that so many families today are without someone who has served in the Army or other branches of the Armed Forces.  It is a tradition that everyone can be proud of and inspired by.

And what of my own children?  My son Patrick was born with a hole in his heart and is medically disqualified.  He tried to join.  Today he continues to serve as an EMT in Louisville.  My daughter, Sarah, serves by being a good mom to her 3 year old daughter.

Happy Birthday, Uncle Paul and thank you for being Always Faithful.