Do you enjoy being called a "Hero"?

SPC Luis Mendez — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 15:19:45 -0400

As per the Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, the definition of "hero" is:
Main Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural heroes
Etymology: Latin heros, from Greek
Date: 14th century

1 a : a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability b : an illustrious warrior c : a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d : one that shows great courage
2 a : the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work b : the central figure in an event, period, or movement
3 plural usually heroes : SUBMARINE 2
4 : an object of extreme admiration and devotion : IDOL

There's also what the Dictionary calls Hero worship defined as follows:
Main Entry: hero worship
Function: noun
Date: 1774

1 : veneration of a hero
2 : foolish or excessive adulation for an individual

After the Events of 9-11-01, the Media, Career Politicians, many of whom never were in the Military (while others made a Career out of being called one). Have promoted the idea of calling anybody, anyone who puts on a Military Uniform, a Hero. Now a days the DoD hands out Medals just for having set foot somewhere.

Gen. Eisenhower wore few Medals and MacArthur often wore None at all. Now I see all over the Media, left and right and all over the place, young military before the age of 30 with 10 yrs of Service wearing more medals than them. Many of them are even Females. So what's up with that?

IMVHO a Hero is someone who saves or tries to save someone else Life at the risk of his/her own life and well being. NOT everyone, NOT everybody who wears a Military Uniform has done that. Actually the records show that Very, very Few did. And Many, many Heroes are and have been Civilians. Others like Policemen, Firemen, EMT's, Nurses, Doctors etc. wear uniforms but NOT Military Uniforms.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2015 3:24 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 15:24:53 -0400

SPC Luis Mendez I rather being called Private, not even PFC, just Private... But that's me.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Oct 25 at 2015 3:38 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 15:38:51 -0400

No. It takes away from the real heroes to over-use the term.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 25 at 2015 6:43 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 18:43:04 -0400

I believe that only those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice would appreciate being called a hero. Well, except someone who gets insanely airbrushed on the cover of Vanity Fair. There is a profound sense of humility when it comes to the armed forces. Those that I have met who appear to 'embellish' their service are usually full of S!@#. They are usually found with a drink in their hand.

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Oct 25 at 2015 7:31 PM

SP5 Joel O'Brien — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 19:31:25 -0400

Never has anyone used the word 'hero' in regard to my meager military service and if so I would respectfully advise them that a hero' has done something extra that most people would not or think they could not accomplish.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Oct 25 at 2015 9:06 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 21:06:23 -0400

I've been called hero. Never thought much about it, and certainly never thought so. My wife calls me her hero. That one I'll accept.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2015 9:14 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 21:14:06 -0400

I am uncomfortable at the idea of being called that, as I don't feel I have made a significant enough contribution to warrant such an honor. I am uncomfortable when people thank me for my service or try to pay for a meal - I volunteered to serve, I don't feel I make a sacrifice. I just thank then for their support and go on about my day. People who enjoy being called a hero for serving are doing it for the wrong reasons. Even Sal Giunta has said he doesn't like it, because being a "hero" and MoH recipient means his buddies aren't coming home.

Response by MSG Alfred Aguilar made Oct 25 at 2015 11:06 PM

MSG Alfred Aguilar — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 23:06:27 -0400

No, I was once asked to be in a parade to honor desert storm veterans. I respectfully declined because I was not deployed during desert storm. The people watching from the sidewalk expected to see desert storm veterans. I was in the military during Vietnam and Iraqi Freedom as well but was not deployed to those theaters either so I won't take credit for it. I am not a Hero, just a soldier.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Oct 25 at 2015 11:24 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 23:24:33 -0400

No. I try to avoid it when I can, as I know there are others far more worthy of that specific title as I see it, than I am.

Response by SGT David T. made Oct 26 at 2015 9:47 AM

SGT David T. — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 09:47:39 -0400

Absolutely not. I'm just a guy who did his job nothing more.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2015 9:51 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 09:51:02 -0400

... I am ashamed of that word on me ... Tell it to the fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, wives, husbands and children who lost their love one. Me? I am no Hero ... because I am still able to hug my wife and children ..

Response by Cpl Justin Sowell made Oct 26 at 2015 12:30 PM

Cpl Justin Sowell — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 12:30:37 -0400

No it is a blanketed term that should only be applied to men and women who do great deeds for their fellow man. Audie Murphy was a hero. I am no comparison to the legend Chris Kyle, or Marcus Lutrell. Hell even General Patton. I thank people for their support, but unless you have some serious chest candy, advise people to not use that term.

Response by SFC Maury Gonzalez made Oct 26 at 2015 12:41 PM

SFC Maury Gonzalez — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 12:41:40 -0400

According to the social media crowd, if put on a dress you're a hero

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Oct 26 at 2015 1:05 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 13:05:53 -0400

To be honest, I look at the "hero" thing as a way for the American public to avoid grappling with the reality of war. From what I've observed, it seems like a term used to put combat vets on a pedestal and then safely forget they're still paying the price of the war we all supported.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Oct 26 at 2015 2:00 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 14:00:47 -0400

Hero gets thrown around entirely too much. Personally I don't see hero's when I look at troops, even MOH recipients. I see a motley crew who can take what the worst the world can dish out and ask for seconds and thirds. I see a group that wouldn't hesitate to lay their lives down for another or would go beyond scared and make the effort to save their battles. No heroics in any of this, but rather a strong sense of determination, belief in something bigger than you, and the desire to see the mission to the end. None of that makes me or anyone else on RP a hero.

Response by SGT Haskel Meadows made Oct 27 at 2015 2:33 PM

SGT Haskel Meadows — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 14:33:58 -0400

Everybody that wears or has worn a uniform of any kind is not a hero doing what you are trained to do does not make you a hero doing your job does not make you a hero and for fans sure getting killed does not make you a hero

Response by SSG Floyd Morris made Oct 27 at 2015 4:58 PM

SSG Floyd Morris — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 16:58:21 -0400

I never thought of myself as a hero, I know I have a somewhat colorful record, an every so often I was presented to a situation that humbled me! Every one was what I would think is put in front of me as part of a life that I was in at that time! My military experience an training was helpful throughout my life, an a big part too! Although, I also worked for the Railroad for a lot of years! I raised my hand when a state trooper,said he had been on the force 25 years and had 23 fatalities, has anyone that has been involved in more, YES, I was not trying to out do anyone. I have had the opportunity to bring 2 back to life that got somthing coughing and as I said it was where I was ment to be!!!!! I belive that if I counted all the lives that I have the privilege of touching, and saving , I don't know, its not hardly over yet. But all I can say is the feeling one gets when you are,and being in the same class as a real HERO is verry humbling! !!!! Thank you rallypoint, for asking!!!!!!

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 5:03 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 17:03:36 -0400

I do not mind it, but I feel that I am just doing my job.

I do not like when it is said with a sarcastic cadence. "How's it going, HEROOO?"

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 5:11 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 17:11:59 -0400

Honestly, I have never been called a hero. And if I were to be called one, I would correct the person and reiterate that I am not a hero. That I am just a small part in the bigger picture.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 5:13 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 17:13:17 -0400

No.

Response by SGT Greg Gold made Oct 28 at 2015 12:55 PM

SGT Greg Gold — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 12:55:55 -0400

To quote one of my favorite movies:
"To a New Yorker like you, a hero is some type of weird sandwich, not some nut who takes on three Tigers."

I've opened more than a few eyes by explaining that in the Army the term 'hero' is usually used as a pejorative, as in:
'What are you, some kind of hero?'
'Ok hero, bring that crap over here and I'll break it down Barney style for you.'

Bottom line is much like a drunk driver, a 'hero' usually gets other people killed for no good reason. A Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman, or Coastie, does their job. Don't be a 'hero'.

Response by PO3 Daniel Carter made Oct 30 at 2015 12:44 AM

PO3 Daniel Carter — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 00:44:37 -0400

As a veteran of both the US Navy and civilian medical sectors I've never been called a hero. I've given and received more Thank You's than I can remember, though. I feel it is more important to acknowledge with gratitude the contribution of those who volunteer their very lives in protecting and helping others. To be recognized for a selfless act is humbling. To see carnage when you know you have the training and ability to prevent it had you only been 2 minutes earlier....
No, we're not heroes. We're human.

Response by PO1 Donald Hammond made Oct 30 at 2015 2:33 AM

PO1 Donald Hammond — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 02:33:07 -0400

I am not a hero simply because I volunteered to be a submariner. I am a hero because I somehow raised 3 wonderful children who are all married and never did drugs or go to jail. I am a hero because my son joined the military and became MY hero. I am a hero because my oldest daughter worked her butt off to get a PhD. I am a hero because my youngest is an awesome dancer, artist, and all around hard worker (and my personal coach).

I may be considered a hero by others but they do not know what I did in the military that would make me a hero. I, too, believe it is overused nowdays. I see those who have lost limbs and think about the only thing I lost is my sanity. I keep a tight grip on it.

Response by SSG Greg Rivera made Oct 30 at 2015 3:08 AM

SSG Greg Rivera — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 03:08:46 -0400

Absolutely not, I hate it. I've done what any of our colleagues would have done if put in the same situation and had been the primary responding element as fate would have it. I am no better than any other Warrior with a Purple Heart and Bronze Star

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2015 12:10 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 12:10:39 -0400

I haven't done anything to merit that yet, so no, I would not be comfortable with it.

Response by PO3 Curtis Tower made Oct 31 at 2015 5:39 AM

PO3 Curtis Tower — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 05:39:34 -0400

I often think of the Midland Fire Department paramedic Robert O'Donnell who went down into a well to save a girl in Midland, Tx back in 1987. The entire world was watching this rescue attempt on television over a period of two days. 7 years later, he committed suicide.

I've been a sailor, police officer, and a firefighter...and I cringe at the term hero. My shoulders are personally not strong enough to bear the weight associated with that term. I simply refer to a saying that I recently came across...and I have to agree with it. "It's not that I 'could' and others 'couldn't'; it's only that I did when others 'didn't'. And, I'll have to also add to that: I didn't do it alone. Just my .02.

Response by SP5 Ronald Stanton made Oct 31 at 2015 9:57 AM

SP5 Ronald Stanton — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 09:57:14 -0400

I was a recent college grad in 1966, and became a US 2 year draft volunteer. I figured it was my turn, and the draft was coming for me anyway. I was assigned to a combat unit at company level, in a Regular Army Division but in a non-combat theater, and frankly was glad of it.
Nobody called us heroes then, and I felt fortunate to not be called ugly names when I got home.
I was in my Class A uniform in stateside airport lounge on the way home after my DEROS and separation. A civilian bought me a drink. That was gratifying. I bet he was a veteran.
The next thanks for serving I had came from a co-worker when the local reserves came back from Desert Storm, and I was on my way to watch the parade to welcome them home. An interval of over twenty years.
I got the usual NDSM for showing up, and made SP5 as a US by doing my best. That was it.
Heck, the local VFW wouldn't even let me join.
I get thanks all the time now, in the rare event my veteran status shows, and am gratified to
find the modest responses I find here. The media and general public have a hard time getting it right.
It's not the worst thing.

Response by SPC Brent Turner made Oct 31 at 2015 10:36 AM

SPC Brent Turner — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 10:36:43 -0400

I was a barber (SH3) in the Navy. By no stretch of the imagination does that make me a hero. My dad on the other hand, who was a hippie, drug dealing, protester, in the 60's has saved a life on more than one occasion. Once, even earning a key to the city and an award from the state of KY for his heroic action in saving a girls life in a serious car accident he was involved in. To me, he is much more of a hero than I have ever had an opportunity to be.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2015 10:38 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 10:38:28 -0400

About as much as I like to be called a baby killer. Neither are true, so it feels like stolen valor to have someone call me that if that makes any sense.

Response by SFC Ernest Thurston made Oct 31 at 2015 1:18 PM

SFC Ernest Thurston — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 13:18:30 -0400

I wore the uniform for 22 years. I did my time. I served my country faithfully, but I AM NOT A HERO.

Response by CW4 Chad Balwanz made Nov 1 at 2015 10:20 AM

CW4 Chad Balwanz — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 10:20:37 -0500

I would prefer to be a role model to my children. The term "hero" has become deluted by using it to describe sports figures. Games have no place for heros the outcome of a sporting event is the conclusion of a game and just leads to another game. I am not nor will ever be a hero I would much rather just be dad.

Response by CH (LTC) Robert Leroe made Nov 1 at 2015 8:04 PM

CH (LTC) Robert Leroe — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 20:04:38 -0500

Not really. When I hear the familiar words, "Thank you for your service," I respond: "It was a blessing to serve."

Response by Lt Col John Tringali made Nov 5 at 2015 3:30 PM

Lt Col John Tringali — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 15:30:21 -0500

No, I hate it. The hyperbole Americans use daily drives me insane. No, losing your engines and ditching isn't a miracle, it's skill and luck. Losing your engines and continuing to fly? THAT'S a miracle. Flying missions against enemies that don't have an IADS or AF? It's not heroic.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Nov 5 at 2015 8:50 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 20:50:28 -0500

No because I am not a hero. Not even close.