The 5th of July

The day after Independence Day - the 5th of July - is a special day for the Drummond family. It's my late grandfather's birthday. Born in 1917 on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Herman Forrest Drummond Jr. truly was the the local boy who made good and was a man who personified service to his country and community, working to keep his fellow citizens safe and free.

Working on a farm then going off on his own to Chicago, where he got an associate's degree in business law, he then went on to various jobs including boxing, until he found himself back in Virginia and into law enforcement. Hired as a patrolman in Newport News (badge number 13), he walked the docks of Newport News during World War II. As someone who had both street smarts and a country boy manner, my grandfather was a perfect fit for J. Edgar Hoover's expanding FBI as he was looking for people from their hometowns to join the agency. My pop-pop as I called him, joined the FBI in 1946 and spent 22 years there, including stints teaching at the National Academy. After retiring he taught at my alma mater, Old Dominion and started a private investigating company.

With a nickname of Bulldog, my grandfather was known as a tough guy who gave it to people straight. He didn't back down from a fight either and had a few gun shot wounds to prove it.

As many know, my father left my mom and I when I was two. My grandfather stepped in and provided that fatherly guidance every boy needs. I'm indebted to my pop-pop for giving me to the tools to help me become the person I am today.

My pop-pop passed away in February 2006, but I'm fortunate that two of my three children (Sadie and Patrick) got to meet him - they still talk about him. He certainly is central in our lives and is always in our hearts.