Here at Life of Dad, the social network for dads, we like to honor heroic dads who serve our country, as well as their family.

Today we feature Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Edwin E. Sierra, of the United States Air Force.  Edwin is married to the love of his life, Nicholle, and has two beautiful children, Jaden Lianimar (4) and Kian Joed (3 months).

Edwin loves to serve his country, and has been in the Air Force since May 2nd, 2005.  His last tour to Afghanistan went from March until October 2009.

When Edwin found out in 2011 that his wife was pregnant with their first son, he was over the moon.  At the 24 week checkup, they were told their unborn son had a rare congenital heart defect, HLHS.  That day, Edwin burst into tears, knowing that his buddy may not survive.  Since that day, Edwin has remained extremely positive saying things such as, “I know he’s going to be fine; he’s as strong as his Daddy.”

Kian was born on March 16th, 2012, and had his first open heart surgery on March 27th.  Nicholle says, “During all this time, Edwin has been my rock.  I can be a mess and he keeps me strong.  I don’t know what I’d do if it wasn’t for him.”

With Kian still at the hospital recovering, Edwin continues to be a caring husband and father.  He spends as much time as he can with his daughter, Jaden, when he’s not at the hospital with Kian. When it is time to watch Edwin’s favorite pastime, baseball, he dresses Kian in his team hat and tiny socks.  As Edwin stays many nights with Kian at the hospital, he insists that he doesn’t need sleep; he just needs a happy family.

There are still multiple more surgeries in Kian’s future, but for now Edwin is enjoying his amazing family of four.

Summing it all up perfectly, while speaking about Edwin, Nicholle said, “Edwin is so positive, so hopeful.  It’s a wonderful feeling.  I’m so proud of my Airman.  I’m proud of us as a family.  We hope to inspire others, and being a military family, it makes us all stronger.”

 

Do you know an American hero we should feature on Life of Dad?  If so, e-mail me at tom@lifeofdad.com!

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