what is your definition of a "Hero"?
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From: Corona, Crazyfornia
what is your definition of a "Hero"?
I keep hearing the TSA agent who was killed at LAX referred to as a "Hero" and it got me thinking, why was he a Hero? It is truly a tragedy that this young man lost his life, but hero.
Was it because he showed up for work that day? Or because he wore a uniform and was a government employee? What was it that makes him a Hero in the eyes of the media, I just don't get it. I think to refer to him as a Hero is an insult to others who have given their lives in truly heroic acts for the sake of others.
It seems like the dumbing down by the MSM knows no bounds and they will cloud up anything they report on. Properly he should be called a victim of the shooter, but hero,I don't see it.
I'm not a completely heartless bastage, my prayers go out for those that he left behind, especially his wife and children. He died at the hands of yet another nut case that society doesn't seem to want to deal with and it is crying shame that things like this happen.
So what would be your definition of a Hero? And does the title hero belong to him?
Was it because he showed up for work that day? Or because he wore a uniform and was a government employee? What was it that makes him a Hero in the eyes of the media, I just don't get it. I think to refer to him as a Hero is an insult to others who have given their lives in truly heroic acts for the sake of others.
It seems like the dumbing down by the MSM knows no bounds and they will cloud up anything they report on. Properly he should be called a victim of the shooter, but hero,I don't see it.
I'm not a completely heartless bastage, my prayers go out for those that he left behind, especially his wife and children. He died at the hands of yet another nut case that society doesn't seem to want to deal with and it is crying shame that things like this happen.
So what would be your definition of a Hero? And does the title hero belong to him?
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Victim is a much more accurate title. Hero is tossed around far too often, even for those that I consider heroes. I agree that it is an insult to those deserving of the title. My prayers go out to his family as well.
The term "hero" is so subjective though. I think someone who risks their life for the benefit of others is a hero
The term "hero" is so subjective though. I think someone who risks their life for the benefit of others is a hero
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Victim is a much more accurate title. Hero is tossed around far too often, even for those that I consider heroes. I agree that it is an insult to those deserving of the title. My prayers go out to his family as well.
The term "hero" is so subjective though. I think someone who risks their life for the benefit of others is a hero
The term "hero" is so subjective though. I think someone who risks their life for the benefit of others is a hero
There is, however, another kind of hero in my opinion. This is a person that expends great time and effort for the betterment of others. There may be no danger involved, but it may involve great personal deprivation or other attributes that would differentiate the "hero" from other citizens who would not put themselves in that position. In other words, it involves some act or action that would probably not have been done except by the "hero".
- Jack
I've always believed a hero to be someone that selflessly performs an action to save or benefit others with no regard to what one's actions will do to one's self.
Had the TSA agent protected another agent from harm, or a civilian from harm, seflessly putting himself in harm's way, then you could probably call him one. But being he was likely just standing his post and gunned down, victim is all he shall be called.
Had the TSA agent protected another agent from harm, or a civilian from harm, seflessly putting himself in harm's way, then you could probably call him one. But being he was likely just standing his post and gunned down, victim is all he shall be called.
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^^^ I agree.
I think a hero is someone who greatly inspires and/or contributes to others through selfless deeds not normally exhibited by others:
So a soldier who risks his life saving his comrades or innocent civilians is a hero.
A policeman or fireman who puts themselves in harm’s way to save someone is a hero.
A teacher who personally engages and inspires troubled youth to do better for themselves despite their home/family situations and contribute to society is a hero.
A woman who fights breast cancer and goes on to raise a family or support others to fight is a hero.
A kindly person who rountinely helps the homeless or the hungry, visits the lonely in hospice or assisted living facilities, brings good cheer to those undergoing treatment at a cancer center, or just makes time for those without is a hero in my book.
Anyone without means but selfishly gives what they have to help others without means is a hero.
Anyone with means but personally engages and selflessly helps those less fortunate is a hero.
Dang, by those terms I am such a loser.
I think a hero is someone who greatly inspires and/or contributes to others through selfless deeds not normally exhibited by others:
So a soldier who risks his life saving his comrades or innocent civilians is a hero.
A policeman or fireman who puts themselves in harm’s way to save someone is a hero.
A teacher who personally engages and inspires troubled youth to do better for themselves despite their home/family situations and contribute to society is a hero.
A woman who fights breast cancer and goes on to raise a family or support others to fight is a hero.
A kindly person who rountinely helps the homeless or the hungry, visits the lonely in hospice or assisted living facilities, brings good cheer to those undergoing treatment at a cancer center, or just makes time for those without is a hero in my book.
Anyone without means but selfishly gives what they have to help others without means is a hero.
Anyone with means but personally engages and selflessly helps those less fortunate is a hero.
Dang, by those terms I am such a loser.
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I agree, based on what I've heard, the TSA agent was a victim and not a hero.
Overuse and dilution of the word hero is a pet peeve of mine, too. There has to be some bravery involved for there to be heroism, IMO.
However, at the time of the tragedy, I've become tolerant if someone wants to loosely expand the definition of hero to include the deceased. I don't do it myself, but it's just so common now, what can you do?
Overuse and dilution of the word hero is a pet peeve of mine, too. There has to be some bravery involved for there to be heroism, IMO.
However, at the time of the tragedy, I've become tolerant if someone wants to loosely expand the definition of hero to include the deceased. I don't do it myself, but it's just so common now, what can you do?
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J&J, dirtyd, and DD hit the nail on the head for me. Couldn't have said it any better, especially when I was really tired last night lol.
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From: Dover AFB DE / Harrisburg PA
Post of mine from two years ago that I often think about to this day of a guy who I call a hero....
Adrianspeeder
Gates of Hell ain't far from Kandahar.
I debated weather to post this or not, but it is a story that I will forever remember. We had left Kandahar, gone to our next FOB, and as we were engine starting to leave, the call comes in to head back to Kandahar for a no-notice medivac. A soldier was not an hour or so before hit by a sniper above his armor, in his throat, through his spine, and out the back. Well, myself and the loadmasters had the cargo reconfiged, onboard medivac equipment setup, and ready for the pickup in under 30mins. It didn't look good with all the breathing equipment, and was given a 50/50 on surviving the flight. Amazingly while coming out of anesthesia, the soldier was able to lift his arms and wiggle toes. I packed it full of fuel while the AC got the waiver for weight, and flight plan to push those motors to the redline, and we went as fast as she would go into Germany. The absolutely smoothest landing fell into place where you couldn't tell approach from touchdown and full stop, and he was sped away still holding on.
Never knew his name, or how his story turned out, but I like to think our piece of the puzzle all came together and made a mission happen.
I debated weather to post this or not, but it is a story that I will forever remember. We had left Kandahar, gone to our next FOB, and as we were engine starting to leave, the call comes in to head back to Kandahar for a no-notice medivac. A soldier was not an hour or so before hit by a sniper above his armor, in his throat, through his spine, and out the back. Well, myself and the loadmasters had the cargo reconfiged, onboard medivac equipment setup, and ready for the pickup in under 30mins. It didn't look good with all the breathing equipment, and was given a 50/50 on surviving the flight. Amazingly while coming out of anesthesia, the soldier was able to lift his arms and wiggle toes. I packed it full of fuel while the AC got the waiver for weight, and flight plan to push those motors to the redline, and we went as fast as she would go into Germany. The absolutely smoothest landing fell into place where you couldn't tell approach from touchdown and full stop, and he was sped away still holding on.
Never knew his name, or how his story turned out, but I like to think our piece of the puzzle all came together and made a mission happen.
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Well howdy, jgger! 
Hope y'all are doin' well! 
Some great definitions of "hero" listed here. To me, and for many of the reasons listed above, my dad is my hero. Fitting that this tread comes up on his birthday.
Hope y'all are doin' well! Some great definitions of "hero" listed here. To me, and for many of the reasons listed above, my dad is my hero. Fitting that this tread comes up on his birthday.
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Thank you all for your input so far, I was starting to think it was just me being a callous old fart!
It's funny that there isn't too much talk about the teacher who was also shot in the leg. The way I understand it he could have run away with the rest of the TSA "heroes" ,but he was helping a group of kids get away and that put him in harm's way. After he was shot he crawled to a safe hiding place. He then proceeded to dress his own wound, fearing he would bleed out, by using skills he learned as a Boy Scout. I haven't heard the media call him a Hero. Perhaps it's because he is an Eagle Scout, I don't know. As a Scoutmaster myself that makes me proud, and in my book he certainly deserves the title of hero.
Again thanks for the replies, I was a tad worried this thread would be taken the wrong way.
And Dewser, I be fine (for an old guy), hope yer good too!
It's funny that there isn't too much talk about the teacher who was also shot in the leg. The way I understand it he could have run away with the rest of the TSA "heroes" ,but he was helping a group of kids get away and that put him in harm's way. After he was shot he crawled to a safe hiding place. He then proceeded to dress his own wound, fearing he would bleed out, by using skills he learned as a Boy Scout. I haven't heard the media call him a Hero. Perhaps it's because he is an Eagle Scout, I don't know. As a Scoutmaster myself that makes me proud, and in my book he certainly deserves the title of hero.
Again thanks for the replies, I was a tad worried this thread would be taken the wrong way.
And Dewser, I be fine (for an old guy), hope yer good too!
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Thank you all for your input so far, I was starting to think it was just me being a callous old fart!
It's funny that there isn't too much talk about the teacher who was also shot in the leg. The way I understand it he could have run away with the rest of the TSA "heroes" ,but he was helping a group of kids get away and that put him in harm's way. After he was shot he crawled to a safe hiding place. He then proceeded to dress his own wound, fearing he would bleed out, by using skills he learned as a Boy Scout. I haven't heard the media call him a Hero. Perhaps it's because he is an Eagle Scout, I don't know. As a Scoutmaster myself that makes me proud, and in my book he certainly deserves the title of hero.
Again thanks for the replies, I was a tad worried this thread would be taken the wrong way.
And Dewser, I be fine (for an old guy), hope yer good too!
It's funny that there isn't too much talk about the teacher who was also shot in the leg. The way I understand it he could have run away with the rest of the TSA "heroes" ,but he was helping a group of kids get away and that put him in harm's way. After he was shot he crawled to a safe hiding place. He then proceeded to dress his own wound, fearing he would bleed out, by using skills he learned as a Boy Scout. I haven't heard the media call him a Hero. Perhaps it's because he is an Eagle Scout, I don't know. As a Scoutmaster myself that makes me proud, and in my book he certainly deserves the title of hero.
Again thanks for the replies, I was a tad worried this thread would be taken the wrong way.
And Dewser, I be fine (for an old guy), hope yer good too!
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From: Corona, Crazyfornia
Adrian, thanks for posting that story. It choked me up!
A hero does not seek the title, it is earned by his actions. What you posted was a great example of heroism. Your crew sprang into action not only for the benefit of the wounded soldier, but indirectly, for his loved ones back home. I'm sure the attitude of you and crew at the time wasn't gosh I'm going to get a Hero button for this, but more like GET THE F OUTTA MY WAY WE HAVE A JOB TO DO HERE! And you got it done. I certainly hope there was a happy ending for this soldier and his loved ones.
Good job, buddy! Thank you and all that serve for your service.
A hero does not seek the title, it is earned by his actions. What you posted was a great example of heroism. Your crew sprang into action not only for the benefit of the wounded soldier, but indirectly, for his loved ones back home. I'm sure the attitude of you and crew at the time wasn't gosh I'm going to get a Hero button for this, but more like GET THE F OUTTA MY WAY WE HAVE A JOB TO DO HERE! And you got it done. I certainly hope there was a happy ending for this soldier and his loved ones.
Good job, buddy! Thank you and all that serve for your service.
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From: Corona, Crazyfornia
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Adrian, thanks for posting that story. It choked me up!
A hero does not seek the title, it is earned by his actions. What you posted was a great example of heroism. Your crew sprang into action not only for the benefit of the wounded soldier, but indirectly, for his loved ones back home. I'm sure the attitude of you and crew at the time wasn't gosh I'm going to get a Hero button for this, but more like GET THE F OUTTA MY WAY WE HAVE A JOB TO DO HERE! And you got it done. I certainly hope there was a happy ending for this soldier and his loved ones.
Good job, buddy! Thank you and all that serve for your service.
A hero does not seek the title, it is earned by his actions. What you posted was a great example of heroism. Your crew sprang into action not only for the benefit of the wounded soldier, but indirectly, for his loved ones back home. I'm sure the attitude of you and crew at the time wasn't gosh I'm going to get a Hero button for this, but more like GET THE F OUTTA MY WAY WE HAVE A JOB TO DO HERE! And you got it done. I certainly hope there was a happy ending for this soldier and his loved ones.
Good job, buddy! Thank you and all that serve for your service.
But I kinda am . . .