There’s a quiet story unfolding in the Bird household. Anthony Bird, a former U.S. Marine, stands at the center of this story, alongside his two young sons, Cadmus and Lachlan. Though the boys are only in first grade and kindergarten at Je-Neir Elementary, their admiration for their father speaks volumes—both in the words they shyly share and the pride they hold in their hearts.

Anthony’s journey began far from Momence, in the bustling college town of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Growing up outside of Detroit, he always felt the pull of service. Following in the footsteps of his father, a Marine for 24 years, Anthony enlisted in the Marine Corps after his sophomore year of college. “It was the best decision I ever made,” he reflects, “but it wasn’t something I planned for.” A string of personal losses, including the passing of his mother and grandfather within months of each other, left him searching for direction. “I needed a way to ground myself, and the Marine Corps gave me that,” he says.

Anthony’s time in the Marines shaped him into the man his sons admire so deeply today. Though he rarely speaks of his service, his boys can sense the strength and discipline their father carries with him—qualities that quietly guide their own lives. “He plays with me,” Cadmus says when asked what makes him proud of his dad. It’s a simple statement, but one packed with meaning. To a first-grader, time spent with Dad is the most valuable currency. Whether it’s tossing a baseball in the yard or sitting down for a meal, the connection is everything.

Lachlan, a little quieter than his brother, is quick to nod when asked if he thinks his dad is smart. “Yeah,” he says, with a smile that suggests he knows just how much his father has taught him. Though the boys might not fully understand Anthony’s time in the service, they don’t need to—what they feel is enough. Anthony’s presence, his gentle strength, and his ability to make each moment with his sons meaningful are what stand out.

For Anthony, parenting is a team effort. Alongside his wife, Lauren, the Bird family has created a home filled with love, support, and just enough laughter to keep things interesting. “Lauren is amazing,” Anthony says, beaming with pride. “She’s a stay-at-home mom, and she’s just fantastic at it.” From pancake breakfasts to watermelon slices cut with precision, Lauren’s quiet acts of care do not go unnoticed by her boys. “She makes pancakes for us,” Cadmus shares. And while they may be thin, golden-brown pancakes, they represent so much more—they are a symbol of the warmth and stability that Lauren provides for her family.

Anthony’s journey to Momence was unexpected. After leaving Michigan, he followed a winding path through multiple states, ultimately landing in Illinois for school, where he met Lauren. “I was just here for school,” Anthony recalls, “and then she walked into my life.” What began as a chance encounter has now blossomed into eight years of marriage and three boys— Cadmus, Lachlan, and their youngest, Tucker.

Anthony’s service in the Marine Corps left a lasting impression on him, and while he’s moved on from that chapter of his life, it’s clear that his time in uniform has shaped how he approaches fatherhood. “I didn’t just serve for myself,” he reflects. “I served for the guys next to me, and now, I do the same for my family.” It’s a lesson that Anthony carries with him every day—the importance of camaraderie, responsibility, and showing up for the people who matter most.

Though Anthony’s current career path has taken a detour due to a work-related injury, he remains steadfast in his role as a father and husband. “I’m on a bit of a hiatus right now,” he explains, “but being home with the boys has been a blessing in disguise.” The time he’s spent with his sons over the past year has been priceless, and it’s clear that he doesn’t take a single moment for granted.

As the Bird family looks to the future, their path may be uncertain, but their foundation is solid. Whether they stay in Momence or follow new opportunities elsewhere, the bond they share will carry them through. Cadmus and Lachlan may not yet realize the depth of the legacy their father has left for them, but one day they will. And when that time comes, they’ll understand just how remarkable their father truly is—not just as a Marine, but as a dad who showed up, day after day, with love, patience, and strength.

In the meantime, the boys will continue to proudly speak of their dad, Anthony, in the way that only little boys can—with quiet admiration and boundless affection. And as they grow, they’ll carry with them the lessons they’ve learned from the man they look up to, a father who, with every action, has made sure they always feel loved and supported.