Gen. Colin Powell
Former Chairman
Joint Chiefs of Staff

On many tours of duty, I've witnessed and been deeply moved by the heroic courage of young American men and women fighting far from home. Yet just as inspiring, are the heroes I encountered while touring the United States last fall. I saw these men, young and old, everywhere I went-in small towns, big cities, on city stoops, in suburban back yards. They were shooting baskets with their son or daughter. They were coaching soccer, or just cheering from the sidelines. Or hanging out on a porch with their teenage kids. I know heroes when I see them. And at a time when almost 40 percent of all American children live without their fathers-these men are American heroes. They are good fathers.