STURGIS, S.D. — For Joe “Dak,” a motorcycle, a gray felt cowboy hat and a lifetime of stories make for a pretty recognizable combination.

Dak spent 24 years serving in the U.S. Air Force before retiring as a master sergeant. Much of his military career took him far beyond South Dakota, with assignments and travels that included Alaska, Japan, Thailand, England and Scotland. “It was the best 24 years of my life,” Dak said. “Been all over the world. Saw a lot. Did a lot.”

His military career eventually brought him to Ellsworth Air Force Base near Box Elder, where he retired. Nearly 30 years later, Dak still looks back fondly on his time in uniform. Military service also runs through his family. Dak said his wife served in the Air Force for the same number of years and also retired as a master sergeant.

His wife was one of identical triplet sisters, and all three served in the Air Force. Dak said one of her sisters died as a result of Desert Storm, while another eventually left the military after getting married and having children. “I married into a good family,” Dak said.

These days, Dak can still be found on two wheels, and he has figured out a way to combine riding with another part of his signature look. Dak rides his motorcycle wearing a gray felt cowboy hat. The hat is made specifically to stay securely on his head while he rides, and he said he has traveled at speeds exceeding 80 mph without it flying off.

After 24 years in the Air Force, decades of retirement and travels around the world, Dak remains proud of the life military service gave him and the family tradition that came with it.