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Published Acts Of Greatness
A few stories about ordinary, and some not so ordinary people who have done extraordinary things
Former President Bill Clinton Emerges as Hero in the Release of American Reporters from North Korea
Americans and beyond were thrilled to learn that President Clinton was responsible for negotiating the release of two journalists who were captured along the North Korean border. Laura Ling and Euna Lee were held captive for 140 days before President Clinton secured their pardon, greeted them at the prison, and accompanied them home to the US for their joyous reunion with family and friends.
Unrelenting Heroes, Our Fallen Soldiers
Every person in our military forces is a hero for voluntarily risking their life for their country’s principles and citizens. Their heroism is on-going - day-in-and-day-out, 24/7, under the harshest of circumstances, far away from their loved ones and homes. There are those who pay the ultimate price by sacrificing their own lives, which results in eternally altering the lives of their family, friends and community. Please visit Our Fallen Soldier website for an opportunity to remember and individually reflect upon the lives of some of our selfless fallen heroes.
Most Trusted Man in America, Walter Cronkite (1916 – 2009)
American icon, Walter Cronkite who believed in the ethics and principles of good journalism, was a staple in American homes from 1962 to 1981. He was never interested in being in the limelight, just reporting the news accurately. A CBS News legend, in the 1970s and 1980s he was often cited in viewer opinion polls as “the most trusted man in America” because of his professional experience and kindly demeanor. Mr. Conkrite also covered some of the biggest news stories of the 20th century, including the Kennedy Assassination, the Moon landings and the Vietnam War. It is often said that Americans of that generation not only remember the news, but remember Walter Cronkite read it. In the domain of news reporting Mr. Cronkite is venerated by aspiring and established journalists as the quintessential news reporter.
Ed Freeman, National War Hero and Helicopter Pilot Dies at 80
Ed Freeman was a veteran of three wars and recipient of the highest military award, the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions on Nov. 14, 1965, at Landing Zone X-Ray, Ia Drang Valley, Vietnam. His Medal of Honor citation credits him with helping save 30 seriously wounded soldiers in 14 separate rescue missions in a helicopter. He was 6 feet and 4 inches tall and a tell-it-like-it-is Southerner who got the name "Too Tall" because he was told he was too tall to be a pilot. That didn't stop him from pushing hard and getting into flight school. It’s also said that if he thought he was right, he didn't care if he told a general he was wrong. He was a man's man. Mr. Freeman retired from flying in 1991 with more than 25,000 hours of flying time, including 18,000 in helicopters. That's nearly 3 years in the air.
Seven-Year Old Girl, Isabel Redford Creates and Sells Cards for Charity
Inspired at the age of 5 by a story her mother told her about twin girls in Haiti whose mother died during childbirth, Isabel Redford immediately looked at her mother and said, “‘what can we do, we have to help”. Isabel got the idea to craft greeting cards because of her love for drawing and began selling them at garage sales and to her friends and family. Her sales took off and now the cards are sold through the Global Orphan Project (GOP) in Kansas City, MO, a charity that builds and runs orphanages around the world. With the first $5,000 she raised, an orphanage was built in Haiti, where she visited last month. Isabel continues to craft cards and raise funds for GOP which can be seen and/or purchased by clicking here.
America’s Angel, Farrah Fawcett Defeated by Anal Cancer
Known for her beauty and sweetness, and most recently for her courage and determination, Ms. Fawcett unceasingly fought her opponent until losing her battle in June 2009. Most remembered for her role in Charlie’s Angels, her final role in her own documentary, revealed the ravages of cancer on screen. Viewers were able to observe her day-to-day struggle, and were drawn to her openness. Full of faith and fortitude, Ms. Fawcett’s last endeavor in life was selfless, and an exceptional act of greatness.
Sirdeaner L. Walker Takes Action Against Bullying
It’s incomprehensible and near paralyzing to try to grasp that on April 16, 2009, an 11-year old boy, Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover, killed himself because he was continuously bullied by his school mates. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Carl was a kind boy whose life was full of promise. His mother, Sirdeaner L. Walker has already spoken out and is turning her grief into greatness by taking steps to increase awareness and education of youth to try to put a stop to bullying. She said "I just want to help some other children. I know there are other kids being picked on, and it's day in and day out".
American Ship Hijacked by Somali Pirates
It was worldwide news when on April 8, 2009 an American ship carrying humanitarian relief supplies and bound for Mombasa, Kenya was hijacked by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean. Twenty Americans were taken hostage. The captain of the Maersk Alabama, Richard Phillips was hailed a hero for offering himself to the pirates to save his crew by volunteering to go with the pirates in a lifeboat in exchange. Vice Admiral Bill Gortney, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command said "The actions of Captain Phillips and the civilian mariners of Maersk Alabama were heroic. They fought back to regain control of their ship, and Captain Phillips selflessly put his life in the hands of these armed criminals in order to protect his crew". Similarly, Captain Phillips said of those who freed him, “The heroes are the Navy, the SEALs and those that have brought me home”.
Miracle on the Hudson – The Heartening Story of the Heroes of US Airways Flight 1549
On Thursday, January 15, 2009, a devastating tragedy was avoided due to the skill and poise of former fighter pilot Chesley Sullenberger III and his crew. Mr. Sullenberger masterfully landed the aircraft in New York’s Hudson River, and safely evacuated all of his 150 passengers and 4 other crew members, after losing both engines due to a collision with a flock of birds right after take-off. Bravo Mr. Sullenberger and all the other heroes including the US Coast Guard, NYC Fire and Police Departments, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey and the Red Cross.
New York Woman Saves Truck Driver’s Life
A truck driver who nearly burned to death when his tanker burst into flames on the New Jersey Turnpike, can thank a brave young woman, Angelica Mercado, for saving his life. The 24-year old nursing student saw the truck driver was on fire and ran toward the smoking and burning truck. Another good Samaritan assisted Ms. Mercado with putting out the flames, and then Ms. Mercado drove him to the hospital. Ms. Mercado said that this incident has made her want to do more good and that she realized through this experience that she could make a difference.
A Not So Ordinary Person Who Has Done Extraordinary Things – Renowned Actor Paul Newman (1925 – 2008)
Paul Newman co-founder of Newman’s Own donated 100% of the profits from his thriving food company to the Newman’s Own Foundation. The brand has generated over $250 million in proceeds that have been donated to thousands of charities worldwide. Mr. Newman only included organic ingredients in his products.
Seventh Anniversary Remembrance of the Victims and Heroes of 9/11
Innocent and unsuspecting, the world as we knew it was shaken and propelled into an ominous new existence on the earth-shattering day of September 11, 2001. Thousands of unsuspecting heroes were born on that fateful day. The victims, their families and friends, the first and all the responders - so many of whom gave their own lives, and so many other of the global population who fulfilled, or were watchful, for an opportunity to help. Grief was absolute throughout the world. It was one of the most unifying of human experiences, and we witnessed grief turning into greatness, on, and beyond, that momentous day.
Sailor Called Hero for Helping Save Five Others
Four students and two safety officers had less than a minute to escape their sinking ship. The survivors praised one of the boat’s safety officers, 53-year-old Roger Stone, for rushing them off the craft within seconds of realizing it was taking water, putting their lives ahead of his own. Mr. Stone was killed rescuing the students. When the keel fell off the boat, it capsized, and Mr. Stone drowned. The sailing team was competing in a race in the Gulf of Mexico when the accident occurred.
Sgt. Merlin German, a Marine Burned in Iraq
Sgt. Merlin German, who nearly died in a roadside bombing in Iraq, made a commitment to greatness. He was burned over 97% of his body, his hands burned into nubs. He grew up in Washington Heights, NY, and became a guiding light to the rest of the service members in the burn unit at the Brooke Army Medical Center, where he spent 17 months as an inpatient and underwent more than 100 surgeries. He was called a "fighter" and motivated the other burn unit victims. Sgt. German enlisted in the Marine Corp in 2003 at the age of 17. He was deployed to Iraq in 2004. In February 2005, his convoy was hit by a makeshift bomb in Anbar province. Sgt. Merlin received a Purple Heart. He had planned to establish a foundation to help child burn victims, however, he passed away during surgery on April 11, 2008.
A Stranger Donates a Kidney to an Atlanta Girl
Sarah Dickman, an 8-year old suburban Atlanta girl was born with the genetic disease called juvenile nephronophthisis which slowly destroys the kidneys. Without treatment, it can kill a child before the age of 15. Laura Bolan, 34 saw a picture of Sarah Dickman on a pamphlet describing that the 8-year-old needed a kidney transplant, and Bolan knew she could help. She did a quick Web search on the surgery and talked it over with her husband. Then she made a phone call to offer one of her kidneys to Sarah Dickman. She had never met Sarah when she agreed to donate the organ. She knew she had the same blood type as the little girl, so she called the number on the flier that evening. They both underwent successful surgeries
Virginia Tech Massacre
Romanian-born Liviu Librescu, a dual US and Israeli citizen, moved two decades ago to the United States where he taught in the Engineering Science and Mechanics Department at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He was a Holocaust survivor who gave his life to protect his students. Students described how the 76-year old Librescu used his body to barricade the door against the shooter so they could escape by jumping out the classroom's second-floor window. Some broke legs in the fall, but they survived. Mr. Librescu was shot to death during the rampage.
Hope's Story
Hope Stout was an incredible twelve year old girl, who after being diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer was offered a wish by the Charlotte, NC Make-a-Wish Foundation. When Hope Stout found out that there were 155 children on the waiting list in front of her, she wished that they could have their wishes granted first. When told the funds to do this were not available, Hope refused to take no for an answer. She lead a fund-raising effort with her friends and neighbors that touched the hearts of millions. Hope raised more than one million dollars in thirty days allowing all the children to have their wishes granted. Hope died shortly thereafter, knowing her wish came true. A movie has been made to honor her called Hope's Wish.
NYC Subway Hero
A 50-year-old NYC construction worker jumped into the path of a moving subway train to save the life of a stranger: Mr. Wesley Autrey was in a station in upper Manhattan while another gentleman, a student, also waiting on the platform, seemed to collapse during a seizure. Mr. Autrey used a pen to get Mr. Hollopeter's tongue out of his throat, then when he stood up the student staggered and fell between the tracks. As the train neared, Mr. Autrey pinned Mr. Hollopeter in the trough by lying on top of him, face to face. To the horror of bystanders and Mr. Autrey's daughters, the subway screeched to a halt only after two subway cars passed overhead. Mr. Autrey's quick thinking and incredible heroism saved the students life at the risk of his own.
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