An open letter to my Dad

I’m so appreciative of the intangible things you provided me, which went way beyond love and acceptance. Normally, I speak of those intangible things as risk and business skills.

But more so than that—the ability to grow an organization like OWRL, No Veteran Buried Alone. To have humility in service. To build a brand with integrity and so well-known to donors and resources that it lifts others up simply by existing.

This lesson was offered to so many, but so few learned it. It’s an elite club who knew you—who carry these lessons quietly, who learn from them. I am so appreciative to get to steward them, remind your mentees of them, and pass them on to others.

It truly is the embodiment of Run Silent, Run Deep. While the business lessons have served me well, they’ve crossed over to build this community—and without them, this wouldn't be possible. You didn’t even know this was what those skills would look like in the end. In fairness, OWRNC wasn't even on our radar. The irony is not lost on me.

What I didn’t understand then, but do now, is that leadership isn’t about being seen. It’s about ensuring others are never unseen. Every time we stand graveside for a veteran, every time a volunteer folds a flag or says a name aloud, I feel that same quiet strength you carried. You taught me that dignity doesn’t have to be loud, and that real impact rarely asks for recognition.

Through OWRL, I’ve learned that legacy isn’t the company we build—it’s the community we leave behind. The systems, the service, the structure of something that keeps breathing long after we do.

Your lessons were never just about business. They were about belonging. They were about showing up. They were about love disguised as leadership.

Thank you for teaching me how to serve in silence, how to lead with grace, and how to build something worthy of the people it honors. Your fingerprints are on every folded flag, every handshake, every veteran and their family served. And every time we whisper No Veteran Buried Alone, I hear your voice reminding me that this—this—is the work that matters most.

Sailor, rest your oars.

Your mission is complete, and your legacy carries on in every act of honor we continue.

Written by: Kat Johnson, Chairwoman, Executive Board Member

Ohio Western Reserve Ladies — No Veteran Buried Alone.

To learn more or join our mission, visit www.ohiowesternreserveladies.org