We lost one of the greatest Americans (who no one ever heard of) yesterday....

His name was simply Poppa, and he was a great man in every measurable aspect.

He joined the Army to protect his family, became a pilot, and fought against the Japanese in the Pacific Theater. He helped free thousands of captured Koreans (who were turned into slaves and prostitutes) and he helped protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

He was born in Florida in the early 1920's, a dirt poor redneck surviving in the sticks. He put himself through college in order to better learn how to grow his plants. He graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Agriculture, when most of his classmates were born privileged, attending for the fun of it.

Even though he didn't know a thing about business (only how to grow crops), he started his own store, then another, then over a dozen across the state. He was successful, he raised five children, countless grandchildren, and traveled to over 80 countries throughout his life.

He was quiet, calm, polite, respectful, and never said a bad word about anyone. He gave back and helped those less fortunate. He did everything from delivering meals on wheels to volunteering at the local schools and youth centers in the projects, where the kids didn't have any help at home.

I will never be half the man he was, I will never see a fraction of what he saw or what he did. He never wanted recognition for anything, he never wanted to stand out. This is simply a small portion of his story. This world would be a much better place if more people were like my Poppa.