Adam West grew up hearing stories about his grandfather, who was imprisoned by the Germans during World War II.
West always admired the bravery of his uncle, who volunteered to serve in Vietnam and was killed in action.
Knowing about his family's legacy of service instilled West with a desire to join the military. That desire transformed into determination after West had a cousin killed in Iraq.
"I was in junior high when it happened and it really hit home," West said. "All of a sudden those stories weren't like a movie anymore. Those stories became more real because it was a cousin that I knew.