Jeffrey Miller -my dad- is my greatest hero. Growing up as a child of a military man came with its challenges, but it also taught me what actual effort and happiness look like. There's a common stereotype that soldiers are always harsh and unapproachable, but my dad breaks each one of these "rules." My dad is one of the kindest, most compassionate people you could ever meet. This is a man who has gone to war, lived apart from his family to provide for us, and risked his life in service to our country. And yet, despite all of that, he's always had a soft spot for my sister and me. The best way I can honestly describe who he is comes from an excerpt of my first speech in my sophomore year. It says, "Although I often talk about the Army, my admiration for my dad goes far beyond his military service. He's my role model not just because of the uniform he wears, but because of the person he is: resilient, selfless, and deeply devoted to our family. Even while living and working long hours far away in New York to support us, he makes the most of every moment he has at home. Every trip home he makes -even if brief- he brings love, fun, and unwavering support for everything. For example, when I played softball, he made the trip to watch every game he could; when I was in fifth grade and he was stationed in Korea, he timed his leave to be home for important milestones; this year, when he came home to be able to accompany me on college visits. Thinking of these times makes me smile, but some of my favorite memories are the days I was too sick for school and got to tag along with him to the motor pool. I'd sit with him while he worked, poking fun at his coworkers who dared to root for any football team but the Eagles (even though, sorry Dad- the Eagles still kind of suck). Once, when I was six, he even showed me how to remove an engine from a massive military vehicle. Afterwards, we split a Charlie's cheesesteak at the PX, and it felt like the best day ever. My dad always finds a way to show up for us, whether through a kind word, a plane ticket home, or a cheesesteak after a long day. He's brave, strong, and incredibly caring. Through every challenge, he's been there for me, our family, and anyone who needs him. That's why he's my dad and one of my best friends. I aspire to be like him: someone who shows up when it matters most."