In a family shaped by military service, patriotism isn’t just a word—it’s a conversation passed from father to son. While the concept of patriotism may look different to each person, it’s deeply rooted in the beliefs, values, and life experiences that shape them. In the Seybold family, that conversation spans generations: Caleb Seybold is a multicapable airman in active duty, and his father, George Seybold, is a veteran who served before him.
At the beginning of Caleb’s military journey, he felt a deep sense of pride—first in completing basic training, and then in surpassing the limits he had set for himself. That pride, for Caleb, is rooted in a modern understanding of patriotism—serving not just out of obligation, but out of a belief in protecting a diverse and evolving nation. What gratifies him most is being part of something greater than himself—a feeling that continues to drive him today.
For George, that sense of patriotic purpose was shaped by his own father, a Vietnam War veteran who instilled in him the honor of fighting for his country. It’s a belief George hoped to pass on to Caleb. What inspired him then, and still does now, is the call to serve a cause bigger than any one person—a commitment that’s shared within three generations.
The values and the principles that military service has instilled in Caleb have had a lasting effect. “Every airman contributes a valuable and integral service, even if the job they are doing may not feel like it,” he said. To him, the military is like a wheel—every part plays a critical role, and without each one, the entire operation would begin to break down.
For George, the lessons he has taken from service are that hardship is inevitable, but rather than letting adversity define you, you must face it head-on and use it as fuel to move forward. Embrace the hardships and turn it into motivation.
From Caleb’s perspective, loving one’s country means recognizing that not everyone will share the same views—and that’s exactly what makes it worth protecting. He believes his role is to defend every citizen’s right to live freely, even if their beliefs differ from his own. For future generations who plan to enlist, Caleb hopes that they leave basic training with integrity and understand that their contributions matter, no matter their role. For those who don’t plan to serve, he hopes they still recognize the sacrifices made—both past and ongoing—to protect their way of life. He wants them to appreciate the freedoms they enjoy, many of which others in the world do not have.
George shares that belief and hopes that all young people, whether military-bound or not, find something greater than themselves to believe in. For some, that might be serving their country; for others, it could be caring for the environment or improving their community. What matters most, he said, is having something meaningful to commit to—because that’s what gives purpose to patriotism.
In the Seybold family, patriotism isn’t just a legacy—it’s a living belief passed down, reshaped by each generation, and rooted in a shared desire to serve something greater than oneself.
