Matthew Shillingburg, U.S. Army, Berlin, Panama

Matthew Shillingburg's family has been serving the U.S. in uniform since the War of 1812. His grandfather was at Pearl Harbor during the attack, and his father trained Navy SEALs. So service runs deep in the family. But while he also served, Shillingburg charted his own course, choosing the Army over the Navy and spending time in military intelligence among other duties.

In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Shillingburg explains why he picked the Army over the Navy and his fascinating service in Berlin during the Cold War, including what he calls the most patriotic moment of his life as a U.S. citizen. He also explains his duties working with nuclear howitzers and commanding troops in Panama.

Finally, Shillingburg shares his passion for helping and serving America's veterans today through the American Legion, Honor Flight, as a chaplain, and in many other capacities.