Acts of heroism - a continuing thread

[Shaughnn]

I'm creating this thread in the hope that we can collect a running gallery of stories which can serve to inspire and challenge us all. If you have an anecdote or come across a news story which makes you think, "Damn, that's a hero!" then here's the place to put it.
I'll start with a story (http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/293003_eddie20.html) from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer newspaper about Marine Cpl. James "Eddie" Wright, who grew up here in the Seattle area. Cpl. Wright lost both hands while in Iraq and his story left me in awe of his courage and strength-of-character. I hope it has the same effect on you?
Shaughnn

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[Marge]

Shaughnn,

Great story. Thanks for sharing.

This thread will open the door to a lot of lives in a lot of different situations. Can't wait.
\

[Tom Tee]

Wow!

TT

[Shaughnn]

Here's another story (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/04/ap/national/mainD8ME6I0G0.shtml) , from CBS News, about somebody who simply did what he felt had to be done, in the face of some very compelling circumstances to the contrary. Wesley Autrey lives in New York city and works as a construction worker there. He's got three kids and every reason in the world to have not gotten "involved". That's pretty "heroic" in my book. :)
Shaughnn

[Eugenius]

..is this where the black dude jumped down on the subway tracks to save a cracker?

[Shaughnn]

No, Eugenius. It's the story of a complete stranger putting his own life in very real danger to save someone who was unable to help themself. It took place in New York city, which I was raised to believe was the "Land of Mind-your-own-business" and where you could be mugged at Noon on a Wednesday and nobody would stop to lift a finger to help you. It's the story of a family having their son's life, which was almost ripped from them, returned to them without the thought of reward or celebrity. It was a split second in someone's life that has made a monumental change in the lives of many.
Was there a need to make a racist joke of it?
Shaughnn

[e3]

there is no joke about jumping in front of a moving train to save a stranger.
Cannt believe he layed there covering the other guy while the train ran over them....Its one you really have to question ..if ya could do it?

[Splinter]

I was standing on a subway platform below the streets on NYC today looking at the shallow, narrow, and short trenches between each of the main railroad ties... This is where the two were laying while the train rolled over them. Im just amazed the two men fit in there... This is not a story to joke about, that man is a true hero.

[Deane100]

Truly amazing. What was funny was the video of the hero re-enacting the events to the newswoman interviewing him. Let's just say he wasn't very shy, looked like he was trying to cop a squeeze :nod: . Suppose he deserves to. It's a real shame; I was trying to post the link but couldn't find it again. Why isn't this on the top of every news web-site/tv??? :shrug:

[Rd Tile]

Trump gave him $10,000 and a trip to Disney with his family, plus the Transit Authority gave him a free pass for one year, should have been for life. :nod:

He'll be on Letterman tonight, I think.

[Eugenius]

Is that 'Trump Change' or 'Chump Change'? Where's Oprah?

In the early 80's , my wife and I picked up a black dude hobbling along the street in Odessa, Texas. He was on his way to the Salvation Army. He had stepped on glass at a truckstop and long story short, I took off my shoes and gave them to him.

Entitle me Oprah...or Shaugnn

[jdm]

Alex --

The depth of those drainage trenches between the subway rails varies. According to the article I read, they can be anywhere from 8" to 24" deep. And the undercarriage of the cars have some clearance above the ground. But still, I can't imaging doing what that guy did. He's a true hero -- putting himself in harms way voluntarily to help a stranger -- no doubt about it.

[Shaughnn]

Here's another story about a heroic act (http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/858884.html) . This one from a couple of high school seniors with no personal investment in the conflict except that they just didn't want to stand by any longer while such things occurred. Imagine how America might be a little different today if somebody at Columbine High School had taken the same interest in someone else's torment???
Enjoy the read.
Shaughnn

[Theold--scottyb]

Why couldnt you of just said " I picked up a dude that had glass in his feet".

[Shaughnn]

Scott,
"Heroism" is all measured by degrees. While this example isn't as dramatic or inspirational as the previous ones, it's still an excellent example of a selfless gesture which will leave a lasting impression upon all of those who've been witness to it. I don't know if I quite understand the "glass in feet" referance, though??
Shaughnn

[Splinter]

Shaughnn,

I believe he's referring to the post above by our old friend (ugh) Eugenius...

I'm very happy he is no longer frequenting the forums. (or was asked to leave)