What I learned from my Father, a real life Captain America

Vinny Stackhouse
Oct 25, 2017
2 min read

Updated: Jan 30, 2019

Seventeen years ago today, we lost my Father, a real life Captain America

Growing up a skinny kid in Brooklyn, he earned a reputation of being scrappy & determined. Eventually, that determination enabled him to become a US Navy Seal in the early 1960s around the time the Navy Seal program began. Along the way he traveled the world with the Navy, performed Cadence in front of President Kennedy, and became strong, real strong. Dad was strong enough to serve in the Vietnam War, and to go on some world missions similar to those most of us will only see in movies. These missions were never spoken of by him, as he did his duty as a protector of our country.

On his return home, he continued serving by protecting our city & becoming a NYC police officer, eventually becoming a Detective serving in some of the toughest precincts within NYC. Being named after him, I ran into countless police officers year after year who’d recognize our name, and tell me legendary stories about my father’s acts on the force, as well as how he made a difference in their own life.

Through those years Dad literally gave his body to the job one piece at a time until he was “disabled”. Doctors said he would never walk again, but then again they didn’t know my father. Even with his "disability", he still was the strongest man I have ever known. He later continued serving for many more years, this time as a community advocate and Vice President of our Marine Park Civic Association.

In many ways I was very lucky, because as I grew up, my father was home. I got to see he was as clever and smart as anyone I’ve ever known. Got to see how intensely organized he was in so many areas. Saw what a skilled wood worker he became most literally while standing on one leg. He was a daily role model of pure resiliency. Time and time again, I was extremely fortunate to watch the role model who never gave up. Mostly, I got to see how both he and my mother gave my sister & I an amazing life. They taught us to do what is right, they instilled a sense of duty & responsibility, they taught us to take responsibility, and not to wait for a handout. Best of all, they taught us how to be a loving family!

God Bless you Dad. You are gone, but will never be forgotten. You have taught me so much.

I love you.

Vincent