MILWAUKEE— As we continue to shine a spotlight on Black History Month in Wisconsin, we're bringing attention to one Wisconsinite's service to his country. A Milwaukee veteran continues to pave the way forward, with a lot of help from those who went before him.

Being a veteran comes with a brotherhood and a sisterhood. But what if that “family” was actually related by blood? That happens to be the case with a Navy veteran from Milwaukee who has a long line of family history in the military.

James “Groovy” Cocroft is a name with a legacy and a family history well known in the military.

“That name, it just makes me proud to be African American and to have served,” Cocroft says.

Cocroft served 20 years in the Navy as an operations specialist working on data systems tracking ships, planes, and submarines. When he is asked why he decided to join the military, it’s a no brainer. It runs in his blood.

The Cocroft family has more than two dozen members who have served in all branches of the military, racking up decades of service.

“My brother, sister, my dad, my uncles on my mother's side, uncles on my dad's side, cousins, we all have joined the military,” Cocroft says.

It’s something he and his family are extremely proud of. 

“I’m proud to say I am apart of that family with that name,” Cocroft says.

To be a Black American family with a legacy so well known for service to their country is an honor the family holds onto.

“It makes me proud to be a Black American to be able to serve my country and serve it honorably. My family has done the same exact thing. That legacy of us serving and being of African descent, it makes me proud,” Cocroft says.

It’s something to be truly proud of, a long line of sacrifice, honor, courage, and service.