A father plays many different roles in their children's lives. Fathers can be teachers, mentors, role models, and for some, even best friends. The impact a father makes on their children is something that one Sailor says is irreplaceable.

"It is impossible for someone to be there for your whole life and not affect the type of person you are," said Yeoman Seaman Jose Gonzalez, a Sailor stationed aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). "I owe who I am today largely to my father. He taught me how to treat people with respect and to not get caught up on my failures."

Many fathers are both providers and mentors for their children. Whether it's a roof over their children's head or words of wisdom, it's a father's job to provide support for their children.

"That's what a father's job is," said Senior Chief Gunner's Mate Danny Phelps, senior of the guns aboard Washington. "It's your job to teach your children how to take care of their responsibilities so they can chase their goals. You want to see them grow up and have a better life than you did."

For Yeoman Seaman Hayleigh Price, a Sailor aboard Washington, her father is her best friend.

"Growing up it was just me and my dad in the house," said Price. "Whenever I am having a hard time or just need to talk, he's there for me. We are very similar in a lot of ways and basically best friends."

According to Price, being a father isn't a one-sided job either.

"My freshman year of high school I lost my great-grandma who I was really close to," said Price. "When you lose someone like that you just want to stop operating and shut down, but my dad was there to help me grieve and to push me to be my best.

It's no secret fathers do a lot for their kids. From cheering them on at sporting events and words of wisdom, to guide them through life or simply teaching them right from wrong, a father's love is constant and filled with pride.

"I take a lot of pride in my son and his accomplishments," said Phelps. He is a Civil Air Patrol technical sergeant and he is working toward his goal of being a pilot in the Air Force. Being able to see them work toward the things they are passionate for is one of the best experiences you can have as a father."

Just as Phelps enjoys watching his son work toward his goals, Gonzalez finds pleasure in celebrating his dad on Father's Day.

"There is a lot our fathers do for us," said Gonzalez. "It's nice to take Father's Day to really show your dad how much you appreciate what he's done for you."

Gonzalez plans to show his father appreciation by surprising him with a visit and taking him out for pizza this Father's Day.

"I am who I am because of him," he said. "After all he's done for me it's the least I can do."

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