A father can be the most important influence in a young man's life. He is the first example of what it means to be a man, and the lessons he passes on can stick with his son for life. Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd class Joshua Sabates' father did just that.

"My dad was my superhero," said Sabates. "He was in the Army, originally from Cuba. He came over here and nothing was given to him. He had to work for everything he had, so a lot of his work ethics were passed on to me."

Sabates' father has had a huge impact on his life, helping him make some of the biggest decisions in his life and passing on wisdom and values.

"I thank him all the time for pushing me to join the military," said Sabates. "He told me for about a year and a half to just do it-stop talking about it and be about it, so I'm really thankful for that."

Having served in the Army and knowing his son, Reinaldo Sabates knew the military would be a good option for his son.

"He saw that nowadays, you have to have work experience along with an education, and this was a good way to get it," said Sabates. "He also knew that I had an A-type personality and he knew this would be a good fit for me to stay physical and challenge me mentally as well."

Being away from home, Sabates misses the accessibility to his father most of all.

"The fishing, the yardwork together, kicking back a cold one-the guidance of him always being there was great," said Sabates. "I still get the guidance over the phone and through technology, but with him being physically there every day, I had that role model right in front of me."

During those times, Sabates learned key lessons from his father.

"He told me to always be there for your family and provide for them but he told me the lazy man works double," said Sabates. "He taught me that boys look inward and always worry about themselves, but a man looks outward to how he can affect his community and those around him."

Sabates' father exemplifies what many dads around the world believe and put into practice. He is an unwavering, always present and always selfless father. That is why we celebrate the great fathers who put their families before themselves and go out of their way to better the lives of others. That is why we celebrate Father's Day.

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