following in his great-great-granddaddy's footsteps

Daniel is named for his great-great-granddaddy John Daniel Whitlow and was born on his birthday (February 6). Among his many accomplishments, Dan Whitlow was a sergeant in the United States Army during World War I and was mustard-gassed during the war (and survived). Daniel has always loved hearing his great-grandmother tell stories about her father, and, although Daniel never met his great-great-granddaddy, he considers him a hero. (Grandma has been careful to point out to Daniel that Dan Whitlow wasn't perfect -- none of us are -- but he was a fine man who did many great things.)

While at basic training, Daniel asked for pictures of his great-great-granddaddy as well as his great-grandfather who was a Navy veteran of World War II. Fortunately, his great-aunt Nancy, who is the family geneologist and historian was able to provide him with those pictures. Below are two of the pictures that she sent to Daniel.

When recruits receive pictures at basic training, the drill sergeants look at them to confirm that they are appropriate (i.e., not pornographic, terroristic, etc.). When Daniel's drill sergeants saw this picture of Sgt. Whitlow, he asked Daniel who it was, and Daniel told him. Interestingly, they were able to determine from this picture (specifically, the castle pin on his collar) that Dan Whitlow was a combat engineer. (This is the very same job that Daniel is training to do in the Army!)
Looking at the picture of the tank that Dan Whitlow operated during World War I, I am very grateful that the Army now has newer/heavier looking equipment to protect our soldiers! (See my blog post from yesterday for a picture of the buffalo that Daniel is learning to operate.)