In honor of Father’s Day, we’re sharing a guest post from Five Moms’ ally Lieutenant Joseph Schillaci’s daughter. Ashley Schillaci, age 25, shares why her father is so special and how he has impacted her life.

I am a 25-year-old sister to wonderful siblings, wife to a lovely husband and daughter to amazing parents.

One of those amazing parents is my father, Joseph Schillaci. He is and always has been very influential in my life. Growing up he taught me right from wrong and inspired me to be a genuinely great person like himself. I have never known anything else accept seeing him practice acts of kindness to everyone around him. He is a man who is always striving to do the right thing.

I admire his passion to help and mentor children and adults. I'm so impressed that he always is willing to do anything he possibly can for people and never expects anything in return. This is just who he is and it's very remarkable. One important lesson he taught me and one that he accomplishes daily is to always “pay it forward.” 

One of many of my dad’s passions is teaching teens about nonviolence and anti-bullying, which is extremely important. Many children or young adults need guidance and structure. Through my father’s speaking engagements he's been able to make breakthroughs that could possibly change lives. Bullying is a serious problem that leads to many negative effects for victims, including suicide. It's outstanding that my father travels to different schools around the United States mentoring and guiding these children. This is something that is impacting them positively, which has made him feel true success and like he has attained his goal. I know I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful father.  I have no doubt that I will pass on what my father has instilled in me to my children.

I can write as many words as necessary but until you've met and seen my father you will never truly know what a great person he is. There is no amount of praise that I can use to truly describe him.