Joe Lopez, born July 26, 1932, and raised in an immigrant family, grew up in modest though happy circumstances in 1930s and '40s Brooklyn, New York. His father's influence as a loving family man who set high standards and expectations taught Joe the value of honesty, humility, and hard work.

Joe showed natural leadership abilities at a young age as he played with his neighborhood friends in the streets and on the ball fields. At age eighteen when the Korean War broke out, Joe, compelled by a feeling of patriotic duty, enlisted in the United States Air Force. While stationed in England during his service, he met and married June, the love of his life, with whom he raised three loving daughters.

Joe enjoyed an enviable and high stakes career as a cost engineer and project manager, responsible for multi-million dollar construction projects around the globe. Respected for his insights and clarity of vision, his reputation spread throughout the industry. He was continually in demand and at the forefront of his field, which earned him acknowledgment in Who's Who in Science and Engineering and Who's Who in America for many years.

This is the memoir of a great American whose kindness, work ethic, and love of country, family, and life led him to achieve the American Dream.