A Tribute to a Great Man

Tuesday, August 17th at 1:34pm, a great man passed away from this world; my stepfather, Alfred Steven Dansker, Ph.D. He was the epitome of resilience, dedication, and service. His start in life was fraught with challenges and adversity. However, yet determined, he sought an education, a career of service, and was determined to leave a legacy to his wife and children. Twenty eight years was spent in active and reserve duty to his country. He then spent the years from 1992 to 2008 serving in the intelligence community as a government employee or contractor.

He leaves an inheritance of hard work, determination, service to others, empowering people, charity, and loyalty, love, and dedication to his family and friends. He was a doer. He went about quietly doing good, whether it was with NARFE, an organization for active and retired federal employees where he fought diligently for the right of hard working people to retain their benefits, or through supporting new military enlistees or foreign exchange students. The Paralyzed Veterans of America was one of his favorite charities among supporting Folds of Honor, or any other veterans’ group. He would dress up as Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny for his local Lions Club so that he could bring joy to children.

He connected with each and every one of his children and grandchildren in a unique way. There are six of us kids…three biologically his own, and three by marriage to my beautiful mother. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren and almost 7 great grandchildren. Dave Dansker, his oldest son, has fond memories of playing Words with Friends daily for over 10 years to keep connected and to keep his Dad's love of Scrabble going.

Stacy Menendez shared her father’s love of music and theatre by attending shows whenever they could. They both shared the joy of service through volunteer work and providing much needed assistance throughout their communities. She, like her father, is an intellectual who lives by the principal to never stop learning. Laurie Taylor, his youngest, followed in her father’s footsteps as well as a brilliant Senior System Engineer and has worked in various ways to support the intelligence community.

I am the oldest of the six by marriage. My stepfather swore me in to military service when I joined the Army in 1993 and he was there when I graduated at Fort Gordon, GA. from Advanced Individual Training (A.I.T.). He also swore in my sisters into the Air force, as well as his grandson Aiden into the Navy. He has supported and encouraged me and my husband through his military service, and as I continued to pursue my education and service to others. I have witnessed him swell with pride as he spoke of my sister, Jennifer Martinez, getting her promotion with her company as a leader in Human Resources. Jennifer's husband, Roger, has also served in the Navy, and so they both understand the sacrifices that our service men and women make in keeping our country secure. He joins my youngest brother, Stephen, in heaven to watch over us all.

My stepfather was a complex man, and at times difficult to understand. However, as I have grown and matured with age myself, I have a fond appreciation of what he stood for. He was always demonstrating that it takes GRIT and an unwavering loyalty to core principles that is what brings us success in life. Today, I am honored to honor him and to convey the impact he has made on all of our lives with this poem that represents him well and what he taught us.

https://youtu.be/-MnPKMraVI4