Strike three. As my player returned to the dugout, I cringed, not because the game was over and not even because the season was over. I cringed because I had been in his position and knew how upset he was. But then I watched my son walk over to the player, give him a slap on the shoulder, and say, “Great job. Don’t worry about it.”

For me, that moment hit close to home. The values and principles that my dad taught me were reflected in my own son.

Duty. Honor. Discipline. When people hear these words, they think of the military. When I hear them, I think about Dad.

My dad Edward grew up in difficult circumstances. A poor boy of Portuguese descent, he joined the Navy as soon as he was eligible, and there began to truly embrace the concept of service before self and respect for the ideals that made this country the envy of the world. After the Navy, he continued to defend our country in the private sector, working at Sanders and later BAE Systems for 22 years.

Meanwhile, he was still giving back by being heavily involved in the community. They even named a road after him — and believe me, as a kid, that was really impressive!

Today, impressed does not even begin to describe how I feel about what Dad has done for me. While I was not always the perfect son, I was fortunately smart enough to watch and listen — sometimes that’s all it takes to transform a world. I did not follow in my dad’s footsteps by joining the military, though I am a part of Veterans Count, an organization that assists veterans with everything from housing and transportation to medical care and finances.

For me, duty, honor and discipline became a way of life — a life my dad helped lay out for me, though I didn’t know it at the time.

The most important role I took on, however, was that of a father. With two sons, I have come to appreciate the impact a father can have not only on his own children but also the community as a whole. I distinctly remember my dad talking about what is possible when you gain influence, whether as a coach or a successful business person — you recognize those who need assistance and you help. I know I would not be where I am today both personally and professionally were it not for my dad’s example.

I am one of the luckiest men in the world. I am so blessed because I have been privileged to be the son of a man and a woman who stood for what is right. It’s the reason I help so many people get their lives back in my line of work. It’s the reason my son was first out of the dugout to console a fellow teammate. In fact, it’s the reason I love taking the time to coach, passing on the lessons and values passed on to me.

Thanks, Dad.

Matthew J. Albuquerque is president of Next Step Orthotics & Prosthetics in Manchester.