I am asking family and friends again to help, but this time for my dad. This is probably the hardest thing I've had to put into words: My dad passed away this month at the age of 71, and unfortunately, my mother or myself don’t have the means to give him a proper funeral or take care of the household in his absence.

If I could explain who Richard L. Dueberry was, I would tell you he was a girl dad and the best to have done it.

I would tell you he woke up at the crack of dawn and went to sleep hours after the sun had set to support his family.

I would tell you he has worn an “Air Force Dad Hat” every day since I joined the service eight years ago and has never taken it off.

I would tell you he was very picky about his food, but only because he was the best cook. He always put a Heineken in the freezer to be ice cold when it was time to eat.

I would tell you his smile and laugh were infectious, making your stomach ache for days. I can't imagine what days would be like without him.

I would tell you he showed up to every graduation and essential moment in my life and said, “Daddy loves his baby,” every time we had to part ways, and he never stopped for 28 years.

I would tell you his generosity is unbound, and he lives by the motto, “If you have something someone needs, you give it.”

I would tell you he kept a picture of us in his wallet, so he always had an excuse to talk about his family. I hope we made him proud.

I would tell you he loved his grandchildren and I know they will miss him every day.

My dad was my favorite person and believed in everything I did.

He only told me to make sure everything I did made me happy, and there weren't enough words to thank him for my life.

This is just a fraction of the person I got to call Dad. There is so much more to Richard Dueberry, and I hope some of you got to experience his light.

I believe my dad deserved the moon and the stars, and I would like to give them to him.