Do you consider yourself a hero?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 01:23:48 -0500

Now I know what it feels like to have people tell you they are thankful to us and too many times I see a false modesty.   Take it from a veteran who was not welcomed before that we do deserve some kind of  validation. In your more elderly years you WILL reflect and over time I have come to appreciate other older veterans.    Some here have a very good grasp of leadership and those pearls of wisdom should not go unheeded and this includes veterans both older and younger than myself. As for myself,  I do appreciate the kind words.  Do I consider myself a hero?  No,  but that is a natural reaction to being put on the spot.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 26 at 2014 1:28 AM

SFC James Baber — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 01:28:02 -0500

I consider myself as someone who did my job during my career, I do consider the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives as hero's, at least they are my hero's in my eyes, as many of them gave their lives for me to be here today.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2014 1:35 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 01:35:09 -0500

For a young woman of my generation with very limited options, I volunteered, did my best to make a difference, and made a difference that was important to my patients.

My patients were very special heros because they risked everything each and every day.

Dustoff pilots and crew who flew on a moment's notice with no weapons and a half tank of fuel often in zero zero weather into hot LZ to pickup wounded were also very special heros to me.

Nearly a third of Vietnam Dustoff pilots and crew were badly wounded or killed in action.

Response by TSgt Marcial Guajardo made Jan 26 at 2014 4:41 PM

TSgt Marcial Guajardo — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 16:41:45 -0500

I am reminded of a comment from a D-Day veteran, this is not exact, "I am not a hero. The heroes are dead."

Response by SSG Edward R. Bealer made Jan 26 at 2014 9:12 PM

SSG Edward R. Bealer — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 21:12:23 -0500

Yes, I feel I am a hero!!  I was decorated with the Distuished Flying Cross, for heroric action over the ancient city of Hue', South Viet Nam.  I killed many communist combatants on the rooftops in fortified positions with my m-60 machine gun, fom a Huey gunship!!  We had some of the first Cobra's, but not enough to do the job!  That's why we were still flying in our old gunships!! <div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>  </div>

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2014 10:59 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 10:59:29 -0500

I would never , ever consider myself a Hero. This sounds lame but the heros to me are those working 3 jobs and nights to support their kids. Heros are the nurses that take extra time to comfort their patients or people like my dad who pull people out of burning wrecks. Guys who are on their 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th deployment and still trying their best.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2014 11:19 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 11:19:39 -0500

Medals do not make you a hero.  Doing your job does not make you a hero.  Recognition does not make you a hero.  I have done my job, and I have done it well, that does not make me a hero.  I did it because I was good at it.  I am not a hero, though I hope to someday be a hero, ~"someone who others look up too" (never to be confused with heroic).  The day when I know that my leadership influence has passed on to influence the next two to three generations of Soldiers, only then may I begin to think of myself as hero.  (Thank you CSM(R) Ronald Sneed.  One of the greatest heroes I have had the honor of serving with.)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2014 11:27 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 11:27:46 -0500

Not really.  Never thought about it much.  I just do my job.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jan 27 at 2014 3:01 PM

CMC Robert Young — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 15:01:42 -0500

In large part our society has devalued the word 'hero'. It too often refers to some dimwitted, shallow, self serving knot head who plays a sport for $$$$ each weekend and then thinks himself to be the 'hero' because everybody else thinks he's a 'hero'. The truth is that heroes are a very small and very select group of extraordinary individuals who do what others can't or won't in perilous times. Most of us don't qualify....

Response by SSG Christopher Freeman made Jan 27 at 2014 5:16 PM

SSG Christopher Freeman — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 17:16:42 -0500

I do not feel like a hero. I feel that heroes are those that stood in the ranks years ago. Service members from previous conflicts and anyone who previously served honorably. To add to that, when someone thanks me for my service, I thank them for their support.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Jan 27 at 2014 6:07 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 18:07:55 -0500

Yes, I am a hero...to my wife, kids and family.  I'll gladly accept that recognition any day.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2014 8:03 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 08:03:00 -0500

I don't consider myself a Hero, but my stepson, sons and nephews do, and with that I am content.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jan 28 at 2014 8:08 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 08:08:17 -0500

I am a Soldier, an NCO, a friend, an uncle, a brother but not a hero.

Response by SPC Michael Wright made Jan 29 at 2014 6:54 PM

SPC Michael Wright — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 18:54:17 -0500

NO, I went where I was ordered with my K-9, followed my orders and severed at the bequest of my Commander in Chief. Granted I was sent to protect Top Secret areas but never ever thought myself as a HERO. I never saw war--the Army in 1968 cut the orders not me.  War doesn't make a HERO, the person who puts themselves on the line is the HERO.  

Response by Cpl Kenneth Ledbetter made Jan 30 at 2014 10:46 AM

Cpl Kenneth Ledbetter — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 10:46:53 -0500

Those that volunteered all wrote a blank check to our country, which included possibly giving up our lives. I think this is heroic in a way, but by most of our idea of being a hero, no we were not heroes, but what we did should be respected. I volunteered to go to Viet Nam twice, but the Corps decided to keep me just where I was to an extent. I was sent to WESTPAC in 1971. Our squadron, H&MS - 17 was in MCAS Iwakuni. Many of the squadrons left to go back into Viet Nam in the Spring of 1972, but we were left behind. We were packed and ready to go, but the call never came. The read heroes have the medals, the wounds, or damage caused by war. I just have the experience of being on the perimeter of the time, I'm no hero, but those who fought in the battles are my heroes. I feel terrible that I didn't get to go incountry, but close friends of mine who went, tell me that I should thank God that I didn't go. It was a hard pill to swallow, still is.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 26 at 2014 8:46 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 20:46:41 -0400

Hell No! I'm the Forrest Gump of Military Intelligence, when stuff happened I just happened to be there. Heros are those that go running towards gunfire. Heros are you guys. I'm a klutz with really bad timing.

Response by SSG Mark Ives made Apr 26 at 2014 8:50 PM

SSG Mark Ives — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 20:50:48 -0400

Only to my daughters, but my oldest (now 11) is changing her mind about that!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 28 at 2014 4:29 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 16:29:13 -0400

No. Nor do I aspire to be. In the end, all I want to be is a good person. I want to do my job well, love my family with all that I am, and have contributed at least mostly positively to the world. I can live with that..

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Apr 28 at 2014 4:39 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 16:39:25 -0400

No, I don't consider myself a hero, but in my humble opinion I served with a battalion of them after 9/11. These were some of the finest and best trained infantry soldiers I have ever seen, and I am damn proud to have been able to get to know them and consider many of them my friends. I have lost some of them to the ravages of war, and others are getting lost inside their own heads due to PTSD. Aside from my father these soldiers are my biggest heroes. I am grateful to have served with them. Pro Patria 4th BN 31 Inf. Regiment. The only people I would even consider wanting to be a hero to are my grandchildren, I live my life in such a way that I do my best to do the right things for the right reasons. This sends a message that I want to be someone they are or can be proud of. Life is difficult enough without claiming to be something that is damn near impossible to be without dying or going well above and beyond the call of duty and winning the Medal Of Honor. I was a simple soldier, doing a simple soldiers duties. And to quote Vietnam POW Charlie Plumb "I'm no hero".

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2014 5:27 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 17:27:52 -0400

Myself and a fellow soldier were called heroes for a particular thing we had done, but I do not consider myself to be a hero.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2014 8:00 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 20:00:13 -0400

I enlisted because I felt that it was the right thing to do. Being a soldier is something that I am proud of, mainly because of what I stand for and because of the family I have become a part of, but I would never consider myself a hero. I know a few who have done amazing things, but that is not a title that I limit to soldiers and it is most definitely one that is not given lightly.

Response by PFC Earl Herman made Apr 29 at 2014 6:23 PM

PFC Earl Herman — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 18:23:33 -0400

Even though I have served my country (proudly I might add) I do not consider myself a "Hero" I think those that fought and DIED for our country and protected our way of life are the TRUE hero's. Awhile back the question of favorite military movie quotes was asked. This question reminded me of a line in Men of Honor. You don't need a patch on your arm...... In my opinion, if you ask if I served, yes I have. Just say Thank you. I am not a Hero those souls in Arlington are. God Bless Them

Response by COL John Power made Apr 29 at 2014 7:03 PM

COL John Power — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 19:03:33 -0400

Heck no! And I am unsurprised that so many answered the same way. We're just soldiers; doing our duty for our country and our fellow soldiers. Some do that better than others. Some are presented with greater challenges than others. But we all put our names on the dotted line to serve our nation and put ourselves in harm's way. No conditions; no regrets. I'm proud to be a retired officer and to have served with so many great people.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Apr 29 at 2014 9:49 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 21:49:26 -0400

No. But I know a bunch of them.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Apr 29 at 2014 9:54 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 21:54:53 -0400

My reply to this question from people is that I am a Soldier. No more, no less.

Response by SGT Dannie T. McLaughlin made Apr 30 at 2014 1:21 AM

SGT Dannie T. McLaughlin — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 01:21:41 -0400

No, I don't count myself as a hero as a 19-D Scout I did what I needed to do to come home to the U.S.A. If someone calls me a hero because of what I did in the war or because of what I do now, I just say thank you out of respect. To me the true HERO dies doing the job. But at the same time, anyone who sign up and said I am willing to Die for others is a Hero to me. So thanks to all you Heros who stood and served under the Flag of our land!!!

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 2:04 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 02:04:23 -0400

Memorial Day is approaching, those we memorialize on that day are heroes.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 8:05 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 08:05:22 -0400

Me a hero? Yeah right, you gotta be kidding me. I was a loudmouth, non-conformist, ego junkie, functional drunken asshole while I was in, but never came close to being a hero by any streach of the imagination.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 10:02 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 10:02:33 -0400

We took in 150 casualties during my 6 months downrange. Those are the heroes. I was just doing my job.

Response by Sgt Joshua Ray made Apr 30 at 2014 12:11 PM

Sgt Joshua Ray — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 12:11:08 -0400

It is a title that is not self imposed. It is a title given by others.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Apr 30 at 2014 1:49 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 13:49:46 -0400

The real hero's are the ones that don't make it back and their families. I say the families because I know it's very hard for them and they still carry on.

I certainly do not think I deserve anything! In fact, my response to the question of "How are you?" is "Better than I deserve". :-)

Heck, we don't deserve God's grace and mercy, but he offers it to us freely - far be it for me to think I deserve such a thing - or anything else for that matter.

I am just thankful that He gave me a little influence to use for a short time (30+ years) and now it's gone. I did my best to use it wisely, but I don't consider any of that worthy of the title - Hero.

I am more than grateful to the many men and women who have served before me - I think of them everytime I see the American Flag.

Response by SSgt James Guy made May 1 at 2014 12:12 AM

SSgt James Guy — Thu, 01 May 2014 00:12:42 -0400

Not a hero, just a guy doing my job as so assigned. But I do appreciate people welcoming home. Quite the opposite when I came home.

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made May 1 at 2014 3:03 PM

MAJ Steve Sheridan — Thu, 01 May 2014 15:03:37 -0400

I do not, but my children and wife do and that is what really matters.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made May 1 at 2014 3:11 PM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Thu, 01 May 2014 15:11:17 -0400

I can't top what Major Sheridan said, its the exact way that I feel

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 3:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 15:23:06 -0400

Don't consider myself as such, just proud of my service and the men and women I've served with.

I do very much appreciate that civilians say something nice when they see a service member in uniform, even if it personally makes me feel a little awkward to receive thanks for doing my job.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 3:26 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 15:26:23 -0400

I do not consider myself a hero and I believe that most of those that I have served with feel the same way. Most are humble men and women who would characterize their own actions, that others would deem heroic as, "Just doing my job."

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 7:09 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 19:09:23 -0400

I'm just a guy who tries his best and gives his all, and I do my job and do it well. If that makes me a hero, so be it, but if it doesn't, that's ok too.

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made May 4 at 2014 3:25 PM

LTC Hillary Luton — Sun, 04 May 2014 15:25:46 -0400

No, I do not consider myself a hero. It has been my honor to serve my country all of these years and to serve along side many fantastic men and women. I have met many whom I would refer to has heroes, but I am not one of them. It has been a privilege to be called Soldier, but I do not feel I deserve any validation for my service. That is why it is called service and that is why selfless service is one of the Army's values. In fact, I am almost embarrassed when someone thanks me for serving. There is no false modesty associated with it. In fact, there will never come a day when I will feel I gave enough.

Response by SSgt Steven Saile made May 7 at 2014 4:34 PM

SSgt Steven Saile — Wed, 07 May 2014 16:34:25 -0400

A hero is an archetype - a mythological entity. We often say we're not heroes, we just did our job. The unfortunate piece is that we do not get to choose whether or not we become "heroes."
If someone decides to look up to you as a hero they've made you one despite your objections.
What I've taken from this is an added sense of responsibility. I'm no longer serving, but I work with cadets all the time and I can see that look in their eyes. They want my approval, my input, they want to emulate me. The little buggers went and turned me into a hero. So it is my responsibility to live up to that archetype the best I can. If they are going to follow my lead and use me as a template for their own success I have to be on my game. Just as when I served and lead Airmen, I have to set the example.
To be a hero isn't a choice, or a conscious decision. I've encountered those in the service I would call heroes - and certainly of a caliber higher than myself. Would I call myself a hero? No, but for the sake of my cadets I'll play the part, but I'm always sure to tell them the tales of the heroes I knew.
We are all myths in a great story. It's up to us to ensure that story is told correctly with the right intent and purpose. Even when we receive our discharge and are standing in line at the VA we still have a part to play in the story of our profession, our branches, our units, our buddies, and our heroes.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jun 17 at 2014 9:50 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 09:50:24 -0400

No sir I do not. Do I consider myself a Patriot, a Defender of Freedom, a Citizen who has stood up to be counted?

And if you ask any "true" hero, they will tell you that they are not.

And, I will say thank you to them.

In my opinion, anyone who picks up a rifle to defend this nation is heroic in stature.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jun 17 at 2014 9:51 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 09:51:18 -0400

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 17 at 2014 10:23 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 10:23:35 -0400

Only in my Walter Mitty-esque fantasies.... ;o)

But seriously, no I do not consider myself a hero.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2014 10:34 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 10:34:14 -0400

Hero? No, BAMF? Yes! Just doing my job and awaiting the day to go play in the giant kitty litter box again does not make one a hero. My buddy who died saving 5 other Marines = Hero

Response by PO1 Paul J Farrell made Jun 17 at 2014 1:57 PM

PO1 Paul J Farrell — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 13:57:14 -0400

no no hero just man who did his job

Response by PO1 Paul J Farrell made Jun 17 at 2014 1:57 PM

PO1 Paul J Farrell — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 13:57:55 -0400

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Jun 17 at 2014 5:25 PM

TSgt Joe C. — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 17:25:35 -0400

I don't consider myself a hero although my nephews and nieces do. Happy to serve a great nation!

Response by PO2 Michael Marie made Jun 17 at 2014 5:30 PM

PO2 Michael Marie — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 17:30:56 -0400

No, just a patriot and proud volunteer honored to serve my country.

Response by SSgt James Stanley made Jun 17 at 2014 6:30 PM

SSgt James Stanley — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 18:30:41 -0400

No, I do not consider myself a hero, just someone who trained to do a certain job then did it to the best of my ability.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Jun 17 at 2014 7:46 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 19:46:26 -0400

I don't consider myself a hero, but all the men and women who are serving and have served in the past and present is my hero.

Response by SrA Eric Olsen made Jun 18 at 2014 12:31 AM

SrA Eric Olsen — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 00:31:02 -0400

That depends on who you are asking the question to. I don't consider myself a hero but I would say that the guys that were on the front lines are the heroes. However ask most if not all veterans who have served on the front lines be it in the air, land or at sea and they will probably say that that the heroes are the ones that didn't make it.

Response by SSgt Rodney Groshans made Jun 18 at 2014 8:23 AM

SSgt Rodney Groshans — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 08:23:29 -0400

To me, a hero is one that went above and beyond the call of duty. The one that risked his or her life to help another. And like others have said, many of those that are true heroes gave the ultimate sacrifice, their lives. And others gave a part of themselves, such as a limb or even their mind.

Volunteering for service in the military, Police, Fire is a noble calling. Just answering that call does not make you a hero. We are doing the job we signed up for.

Most heroes are silent, they just see that what they did was what had to be done. Because it was the right thing to do, and they know it is what someone else would have done for them.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jun 18 at 2014 12:00 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 12:00:27 -0400

As my son and his friends were in their last weeks as Cub Scouts and I their Den Leader, I was required to prepare them for Boy Scouting. Among the tasks was to teach them the Scout Oath and Laws and their meaning, one of which was "A Scout is brave". I told them stories that I had learned from history as well as those I experienced in Vietnam until the boys crafted their own definition: To be brave is to do what is needed (or your duty) in spite of your fear.

I thought that pretty much nailed it, but is bravery and heroism the same thing?

I think that "hero" and "guilt" are similar in that a person who commits a crime isn't "guilty" except by due process of law. In like manner, a person who acts bravely, does their duty regardless of their fear, isn't a "hero" unless it is proclaimed by another. Such recognition may be bestowed formally by the award of a decoration or citation, or it may be declared informally by anyone who simply sees them as a "hero" as when a civilian thanks them for their service.

I know that's convoluted, but it leads me to say, no, I don't think of myself as a "hero". That's for others to decide. I can only wrestle with my conscience.

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made Jun 18 at 2014 12:49 PM

CPO Greg Frazho — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 12:49:13 -0400

No, I don't. Nothing of the sort. It's a job and wearing ribbons like ACM and/or ICM are more badges of office than anything else. Anybody, I think, who actively or even passively seeks out the kind of adoration you're describing is more properly a glory hound.

I appreciate people who say 'thank you for serving', which is fairly rare, believe it or not, and I appreciate those who give more than just lip service when they say 'I support the troops'. Like a watch commander of mine said many years ago in Japan, "Don't be a hero." Sage advice.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2014 4:26 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:26:49 -0400

heros are the ones that dont make it back...that is all

Response by CW3 Clayton C. made Jun 19 at 2014 7:19 PM

CW3 Clayton C. — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 19:19:22 -0400

I'm not a hero. I'm just a guy trying to do the job the best way I know how. I screw up more than my fair share but I always make things right. The only people who see me as any kind of hero are my wife and daughter. And to me, that means more than anything.

Response by CW4 Frank Pollard made Jun 25 at 2014 4:47 PM

CW4 Frank Pollard — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 16:47:53 -0400

The term hero has in my opinion been lessoned to such a state that today it is used for everything. this I find a shame for those that truly deserve the right to be considered a hero. I tried finding a solid definition that encompassed what I believe to truly classify as a hero. nothing written that I could find. I did however find a response from an gentleman named Orion that I believe captures the true essence of a hero

"What makes a hero? That's someone who goes above and beyond what's expected of them, beyond their duty in order to help those in need. Usually at significant risk to their own life. Usually while they're terrified - after all, courage isn't the lack of fear, it's being terrified and doing the job anyway!

I think heroes are made. Their upbringing plants the seeds and then when the situation arises, they act. You see this in folks who will dive into a sinking car to rescue a child or who brave heavy enemy fire to rescue their battle-buddy..

Characteristics?
Courageous - They act, even when afraid.
Decisive - They act when there is need.
Helpful - They desire to help those in desperate need.
Dedication to Selfless Service - They act without concern for their own safety.
Determination to do what is right - They will not stand by and watch the right thing NOT being done. "

This in my opinion makes a true hero.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 27 at 2014 2:24 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 14:24:44 -0400

Not in this lifetime or the next. I'm just a guy who did the right thing at the right time by serving my country. Nothing more, nothing less.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Jul 27 at 2014 6:14 PM

PFC Zanie Young — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 18:14:10 -0400

I am definitely not a hero. I was never a good shot, couldn't run fast enough, and didn't even see combat. But, like any soldier, Marine, airman or sailor, I put on the uniform and gave my all for this country because I love this country so much. I am no Jesus Christ either, but I have no regrets about the decision I made and if I live to do it again, I would give my all again and then some.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jul 27 at 2014 11:38 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 23:38:45 -0400

Here's something, there are these people who have never served in the military who go out of their way to make sure we know that we are not heroes and they provide many reasons why we are not. That's okay; its called freedom of speech.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2014 12:19 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 00:19:51 -0400

I am a hero, I invented cabbage!! Or maybe it was lettuce. Get the two confused. :)

Response by SGT John Wesley made Mar 22 at 2015 11:06 AM

SGT John Wesley — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 11:06:35 -0400

No. I served this country, the Army gave me a boost up and for that, I am grateful.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 22 at 2015 11:09 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 11:09:44 -0400

No.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Mar 22 at 2015 11:56 AM

SGT Rick Ash — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 11:56:23 -0400

Never. I had many Commendations and Awards but only because I did what I was told.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Mar 22 at 2015 1:18 PM

COL Ted Mc — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 13:18:23 -0400

When they give me that blue ribbon with all the stars on it, either I'll consider that I'm a hero or that someone screwed up the paperwork.

Do not bet the rent on the former.

Response by MSgt Stephanie McCalister made Mar 22 at 2015 1:37 PM

MSgt Stephanie McCalister — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 13:37:12 -0400

Simply put, "No".

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Mar 22 at 2015 1:41 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 13:41:28 -0400

No way! I am a Soldier. I am a guy who LOVES his country, his family, friends and the brothers and sisters who came before me and those that will come after me. I think the real hero's are those who stand behind us everyday and support us!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2015 9:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 21:20:54 -0400

Not at all...even wearing the uniform I still consider those who served before me the hero...I will go out of my way to shake the hand of a wounded soldier or veteran. I'm not a hero, just supporter of the heroes.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Mar 22 at 2015 9:28 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 21:28:19 -0400

No, I do not.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2015 10:45 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 22:45:12 -0400

I do not. I consider myself a professional; much like a trained and qualified expert or leader in any other field or endeavor, simple as that. I've done my job and taken great pride in it.

I've been called a hero before, and have never been comfortable with it, except for when my kids used to call me their hero. I could live with that! Those days have passed however, as my kids are teenagers now. ;-)

Response by PO1 Stephen Caldonetti made Mar 23 at 2015 12:03 AM

PO1 Stephen Caldonetti — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 00:03:55 -0400

No, I look at myself as someone who was appreciative for the opportunity to serve this great country, and the things that I learned along the way has taken me far in life. I know that the Navy did more for me than I did for it. The friendships that were forged through my experience are nothing short of memorable, and I feel that I am forever in debt to my country for this.

Response by SFC Charles S. made Mar 23 at 2015 12:30 AM

SFC Charles S. — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 00:30:40 -0400

No, I do not consider myself a Hero. I have some young people and family who consider me their hero. I have no choice over what they choose to believe. I never solicited their praise or laud, but I do believe that if you have people in your lives that care about you and have knowledge of your dedication to duty and commitment to country they may see you as a version of what they believe to be a hero... I would say that I take great care not to tarnish what they believe and to uphold a standard of honor to live up to their vision. I'm not perfect but I care about them as much as they care about me.

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made Mar 23 at 2015 3:08 AM

SP5 Michael Rathbun — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 03:08:36 -0400

What, me hero? What an intrinsically silly idea.

Response by SGT Tyler G. made Mar 23 at 2015 3:18 AM

SGT Tyler G. — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 03:18:29 -0400

No, I do not. Though I am proud of my service, the term hero to me is reserved for those who sacrifice everything to save lives, or to work towards the betterment of all mankind. Are there heroes in war? Yes, but just serving is not enough.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Mar 23 at 2015 3:12 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 15:12:09 -0400

I think that it's other people that can call you a hero.
A very wise Sgt once told me that "Being a hero means being scared sh*tless and still doing the right thing".

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2015 11:03 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 23:03:38 -0400

I do not, but I've met a few. Shaking the hand of two survivors of the Bataan Death March was one of the most humbling experiences of my military career. COL Ralph Puckett speaking to us at Ranger School during RAP week would be a close second.

Response by SP5 Joel McDargh made Oct 29 at 2015 1:24 AM

SP5 Joel McDargh — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 01:24:02 -0400

Hell no. Ain't no hero. Went over and did my job; came back in one piece. The real heroes are the ones who felt the real brunt of battle with scars on their bodies and scars that reaches into their souls.

Response by SPC George Edwards made Sep 15 at 2021 9:24 PM

SPC George Edwards — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 21:24:15 -0400

If you think about it, the vast majority of those of us who served would never be in a position to be a "hero". We were support troops for a few individuals who actually were sent into dangerous and life threatening situations. But, we did our assigned tasks, endured a lot of hardships, spent many lonely days and nights away from our loved ones and did all that for a basic wage that would make a worker at Burger King quit his or her job.