My Experiences in War and Business: One Man's Story of Success in America by Otis Earl Hawkins Foreword by Dan Quayle

Today there is much nostalgia for the World War II generation. As a group, their achievements, their sacrifices, their bravery, and their perseverance in the face of unimaginable horrors and hardships have reaped just praise. Often, however, in our desire to give our elders their due, we attribute their hard-won status as heroes to elusive factors like "the times," "the world situation," "the ways of a different generation," or to other elements beyond the control of the people involved. We do not say enough about their character as individuals, the sacrifices they made, or the efforts they put forth. We need to know more about the personal qualities that made these individuals, collectively, the greatest generation of Americans.

This book introduces us to one such man, Otis Earl Hawkins. Earl Hawkins grew up accustomed to hardship and challenge. His earliest memories are of struggles with his health and his vision. In his narrative, however, these are mentioned almost in passing. They did not consume his childhood-nor could they, for there was too much work to do. In the backwoods of West Virginia, if one wanted to eat, one had to work. From an early age, Hawkins took on his responsibilities with sincerity, good cheer, and a firm resolve to make his mark on the world.

It was only natural for such a man to set out on his own to seek his fortune. It was most unnatural, however, for that pursuit to be interrupted by war. Still, his description of these events shows no sign of self-pity. Indeed, young Hawkins goes so far as to convince a medical examiner to "excuse" his poor vision and allow him to join his National Guard unit for more training-and, ultimately, for regular service overseas.

Throughout Hawkins' description of the events in the Pacific, we read of a man who is not afraid to face dangers when duty demands it. Despite his Silver Star, his Bronze Star, and his Purple Heart, Hawkins sees himself as only an ordinary man who rose to the occasion. Yet in rising to the occasion, he demonstrated his extraordinary character.

That character would serve him well upon his return to the States. Times were hard for returning veterans, for while many employers were eager to pay their respects to them with jobs, the tolls of warfare and extended service to their country were only beginning to be felt by many veterans. Hawkins was no exception and soon found himself in a VA hospital with a potentially life-threatening illness. Again, one does not get the impression of bitterness. Hawkins simply assesses the situation, looks for a possible solution, and sets about doing what it takes to become well again. With his vitality restored, he sets out once again to make his way in the world.

The story of Hawkins' success after the war is an inspiration for all Americans. Driven by the true American entrepreneurial spirit of never giving in, never giving up hope, and never yielding to disappointment, Hawkins began his business in his mid-thirties-a time when many are finally settling into careers and planning for a comfortable retirement. By the time he hit his mid-fifties, he might have reflected on his modest success, sold the business, and lived out the remainder of his years in comfortable satisfaction. Instead, he chose to expand his family market into a full-fledged modern supermarket and, in time, into a chain of supermarkets. Today in his mid-eighties, his sight failing him, and the supermarket portion of the family business sold, Hawkins still comes into the office bright and early every morning, actively pursuing his next dream. If the past has any bearing on our ability to predict the future, I have no doubt that he will find it.

It is this kind of character that makes for success in a man and in a country. It is this kind of unrelenting desire for improvement, love of challenge, and acceptance of duty that we should use as a model for ourselves in our own lives. Earl Hawkins is a great American, and this is a great American story.

Dan Quayle
44th Vice President of the United States