University of Delaware Athletics
Father Teaches Dingman of Sacrifice, Family and Golf
11/14/2018 3:19:00 PM | Women's Golf
Veterans Day, a holiday reserved for honoring those who have served so valiantly to protect our nation, hits home for Delaware women's golfer Ashley Dingman. Growing up with a father who served as a pilot in the U.S Air Force, Ashley and her family have learned about sacrifice and the importance of family.
Only eight weeks after being born on Eglin Air Force base in Florida, Ashley and her parents moved to Italy, where her father was stationed at the time. She's moved around a quite a bit since then, having never lived in the same location for more than three years.
"My family has been very blessed with everywhere that we've lived" Ashley said. "My dad would get stationed somewhere and more than likely have to leave for deployment, but everywhere that we lived was amazing and we got to meet great people."
Though her father was often unable to be with them, the bond that Ashley's family shares remained very strong.
"My dad being away made my mom and I so much closer, but it also made the time with my dad that much more special" she said. "I think it gave my brother and I a different perspective on life. You can't take for granted having that time with your family."
Her father, Joe Dingman, played golf at the Air Force Academy. He passed down his love for the sport to Ashley, who is currently a senior with the Blue Hens. "I played a lot of other sports growing up, but we moved around so much and golf was the only one that I could play everywhere" she recalled.
Ashley said that her father's passion for the sport is what really drew her in. "He pushed me to get better as a golfer because he saw that I had a passion for it. I'm super thankful that he did," she reflected.
Their shared love for the sport is something that has brought this father-daughter duo closer throughout the years. "It's something that he and I can do together forever" she said. "It's really very special."
Although she appreciates the celebration of veterans on Nov. 11 every year, Ashley doesn't need a special day to be appreciative of those who fight for our freedom. "Growing up in a military family has given me a different perspective," she remarked. "It makes me thankful for our freedom and for living in America, because there are so many places that have it a lot worse."
She believes that it can be eye-opening to listen to the stories of our nation's veterans. Both of her grandfathers served in the military as well, giving her even more of an appreciation for those who fight for our freedom.
"If anyone ever has the opportunity to talk to any veteran at all, it's such a unique experience" she said. "There is nothing that compares to what they are fighting for us to do. If you ever see a vet, be sure to thank them for what they do, because it shouldn't go unseen."
Written by Brianna Pisacane
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