Hero is sometimes an overused word. Often, we use it to describe movie stars, TV personalities, sports figures or celebrities of some sort.
Instead, we should limit the use of hero to teachers, law enforcement officers, parents, troops or anyone who's actually made a positive influence in your life. And then there are heroes in the true sense of the word.
One definition is someone who is "distinguished by exceptional courage."
Here's a story that epitomizes that description.
Shane Neal serves aboard the USS Louisville, a Los Angeles class attack submarine. During a recent visit to Okinawa, a tropical storm hit the region as the boat was leaving port.
"A sailor was about to be dragged and held underwater by some very heavy cables," the USS Louisville's commanding officer wrote in a letter to Shirley. "Your son quickly recognized this dire situation and cut the sailor's safety harness with his diving knife that enabled the sailor to escape without injury.
"About 30 seconds later, a large wave hit the ship and washed another sailor overboard such that he was between the ship and the pier. The sailor did not have any protective equipment on and was about to be thrown into some metal beams under the pier where he would have undoubtedly suffered a lethal blow to the head.
"Your son immediately dove into the water and pulled the sailor to safety moments before another wave came."
Shane was injured, and he could have gone below deck. But he stayed at his post until the boat was safely under way.
I don't think there's much to add, except that the Louisville's commanding officer is right. Shane is a "true hero."
I think I can speak for the family here when I say that we're all proud of you, Shane.
I'm attaching a copy of the letter so everyone can read it.
