Jesus Enrique "Hank" Byrd

Today, I have the privilege of honoring a man whose strength and quiet heroism have left an everlasting impact on our family and this country. That man is Hank Byrd, my grandpa.

His journey into military service began with a letter. A draft notice that arrived in the mail, starting with the now-famous words: “Greetings from the President of the United States.” Grandpa held that letter in his hands, knowing it would change the course of his life. He was being called to serve in the Korean War—by a country that he was not a citizen of.

He wasn’t born an American, but he answered the call anyway.

He left his young wife behind- alone—and boarded a ship in San Francisco. The voyage to Korea was long and uncertain. The Pacific Ocean stretched endlessly before him, and so did the unknown. He didn’t know what awaited him on foreign soil. But he went—because he was asked and because he loved this country.

While in Korea, grandpa served in a vital but often unsung role: he worked behind the scenes supplying artillery to the front lines. Day after day, he ensured that ammunition and heavy supplies made it into the hands of soldiers in the fight. He wasn’t far from the danger himself, but he carried out his job with dedication, knowing lives depended on it. His work was the backbone of the battlefield.

Back home, life was moving on without him. My dad was born while he was overseas. And by the time grandpa returned, after months of sacrifice and service, his baby boy was 15 months old. He met him for the first time not as a newborn, but as a walking, growing toddler. That moment—of reunion and quiet awe—said more about sacrifice than any speech ever could.

Eventually, grandpa became a U.S. citizen. But, he had already proven himself to this country—long before he took the oath. He had served it and protected it and he is a proud American patriot.

Grandpa never boasted about his service. Like many veterans of his era, he came home, got to work, raised a family, and built a life. But those of us who know his story understand just how extraordinary it was.   A boy from Mexico, who came from very little, moved to the United States, learned English, fought a war in a far-away place, and built a family and foundation that we all have the honor to be a part of.

Grandpa, we honor you today—not just for the uniform you wore, but for the character you lived. For answering a call that wasn’t yours to answer… and for doing it anyway. For showing us that love of country isn’t about birthplace or paperwork—it’s about heart, sacrifice, and courage.

Thank you. We are forever grateful, and we will never forget your sacrifice.  We love  you!