My father grew up hard in Harlan County Kentucky.  He started to work in the coal mines when he was around 12 years old. When he turned 18, he enlisted in the US Army and served his country faithfully in WWII and Korea.  When he returned from the military, he went to work back in the coal mines.  He was probably the only one ever to have a retirement dinner at Bow Valley Coal Resources when he retired.  He taught his boys (myself and my brother) to respect everyone and more importantly, respect ourselfs and not let anyone put us down.  He loved his family so much and I'm sure he will be standing at the gates to greet me when I arrive.