Fred Foreman was born just before the great depression on the family farm near Blue Rapids, Kansas. His story, written for his grandchildren, starts with the difficult economic times for his family during his youth. He describes the feelings of a young lad in his late teens who was desperately needed at home to help his family and could see no independence for himself until he was drafted into the military in 1942. It was there that he gained confidence in his own abilities, and following four years of service, he took advantage of the G.I. Bill, earning B.S. and M.S. degrees from Kansas State University, and the PhD, at the University of Missouri, in just five years. He served on the faculties of Kansas State University, the University of Missouri, and the University of Minnesota before his 31 years at Iowa State University. During his career Foreman was recognized by Iowa State University, The National Dairy Shrine, The American Dairy Science Association and the University of Missouri for his student teaching, academic advising and leadership contributions to the dairy industry. During his professional career he developed skills in the physical evaluation of dairy cattle, and he describes some of his experiences in this work in 43 states and 14 foreign countries.