By: Diana Johnsen
djohnsen@kcautv.com
Adam Spates of Sioux City joined the Army back in 2001, partially because of 9/11 but more so because of one man, his dad.
"We always use to steal his uniform and go be kids. We'd play around at dark and wear his camouflage," said Adam.
Adam's father, Jeff Spates served in the military for over 20 years.
Jeff served in the Navy for six years back in 1971 and then joined the Iowa Air National Guard with the 185th in 1979 and retired in 1998.
With the military being such a big part of Jeff's life, he was proud with Adam's decision when he chose to join.
"I never hesitated a minute when he said he wanted to get in," Jeff said. "I think everyone should serve in the military a couple years. It helps them grow up."
The military bug runs deep in the Spates family.
Both of Adam's grandfathers were in the military as well, serving in the Navy during World War II.
With his long line of family military service, Adam tries to thank a vet on Veterans Day and the fellow soldiers he serves with.
"I'll call them up. I'll say, ‘Hey thanks for covering my back.'"
Adam has one daughter and said that if she ever decides to join the military when she is older, he will stand by her decision.
Because after all, it runs in the family.
