COLUMBIA, S.C. - Who is your role model? A past teacher, a neighbor, your boss? These important people are essential in helping guide us through life.
For U.S. Army Sgt. Carl Rogers, readiness non-commissioned-officer, Company A (-DET 1) 2-151 Security and Support Battalion of the South Carolina National Guard, the person who has guided him and continues to set an important example is his father.
When Rogers was just a toddler, his father Alfred was an active duty Soldier at Fort Polk, Louisiana. It was during this time that Alfred fought for custody of his children.
"I remember him telling me stories about being a single father with two kids on post," said Rogers. "He hired babysitters and accepted whatever help he could just so he could do what he loved to do; serve his country."
As a specialist during that time, Alfred struggled financially.
"I remember one night when I was a toddler, a lady delivered a trash bag full of toys for my sister and I," said Rogers. "Never have I seen a man weep like he did, but he put his pride to the side to make us happy."
After leaving the service, Alfred worked for years as a truck driver while their grandma helped raise Rogers and his sister.
"Seeing what my father was willing to sacrifice for his children molded an understanding of what being a man, parent and human was about," said Rogers. "Not until I got divorced almost five years ago did I realize what his impression on me was meant for. It played a very vital role in keeping me resilient and vivacious for success – not only for myself, but for my daughter as well."
"My father showed me what it means to be a man and a father; and that is why I strive to be half the man that he is," added Rogers.
Rogers has chosen to follow in his father's footsteps and serves as a readiness non-commissioned officer in the South Carolina Army National Guard while also raising his daughter by himself, exactly as his father did.
"My dad knows the struggle of being a single parent in the military," said Rogers. "He supports me in following my dreams. He wants me to finish what he started."
"The way my dad lived his life, the way he always smiled, the energy he found somehow, is nothing less than commensurate of the most exemplary role model," added Rogers. "I would be bold enough to say that he redefines those words."
The Father's Day holiday will be celebrated around the United States this year on June 19. The state of Washington originated the holiday, celebrating the nation's first statewide Father's Day on July 19, 1910.
Rogers said the Father's Day holiday is very meaningful in that they always spend the day together, working in the yard, eating, reminiscing and feeling grateful.
"He is a testament to all fathers that it will always get better if you never give up," said Rogers.