In your opinion, "What is a Hero?"

2015-05-12T13:40:03-04:00

I know some of us has been called a "Hero" from time to time, either from civilians or other military veterans. But what makes a person a "Hero"? Does just serving make you one, a type of medal or citation, dying even? I personally hate being called one because I served by choice and even though i was injured in combat, i volunteered for it! Plain and simple. I really don't have an opinion about others, only myself. So what do you think? What makes a "Zero" become a "Hero"?

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 12 at 2015 1:39 PM

2015-05-12T13:39:43-04:00

Heroes go above and beyond the standard and the expectation, and achieve lasting results.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 1:47 PM

2015-05-12T13:47:20-04:00

A hero is an ordinary person who does a brave thing In the face of fear. You are a hero in my book!

Response by SFC Douglas Duckett made May 12 at 2015 1:48 PM

2015-05-12T13:48:16-04:00

A hero does things for selfless service not monetary reward. They look beyond themselves so they can give of themselves.

We see Heroes every day, they do not need to be the Policeperson, Soldier, or Fireperson, they are that kid who rescued the cat from a tree or the person holding the store door open for someone to get through.

We see Heroes every day conducting acts of kindness in everyway.

Response by Sgt Branden W. made May 12 at 2015 1:53 PM

2015-05-12T13:53:33-04:00

Military Heroes fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. They aren't in it for the glory, fame, or "Facebook Likes."
A true Hero is behind the scenes doing great things without any expectation of material gain.
Furthermore a hero transforms any attention he receives into positive change.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 1:54 PM

2015-05-12T13:54:21-04:00

IMO MOST of those serving or who have served are considered Heros. I say this because there are so few of us serving, defending our country. We all volunteered for it, and do not expect a thank you from the civilians we protect. The fact that you were injured in combat, and still do not feel you are a hero because you volunteered for it, to me makes you even more so than most others.

The rest I said MOST, is because of those that find any and every excuse they can to get out of deployments. They still volunteered to serve yes, but when they always manage to find a way to stay home and out of the fight, I believe they are cowards and not heros. Sometimes getting out of a deployment is legit and justified, but we all know those that suddenly have a "family emergency" or get put on a "profile" every single time the topic of a deployment comes up.

Response by SPC James Patton made May 12 at 2015 1:55 PM

2015-05-12T13:55:58-04:00

I agree with the others, a hero is one who does all they can to protect others and their freedoms. I do not consider myself a hero for doing what I volunteered to do. But my kids think of me as their hero, and I will not take that pride away from them.

Response by SSG Alleria Stanley made May 12 at 2015 1:57 PM

2015-05-12T13:57:47-04:00

I think the "why" is actually captured in your question.
You volunteered.
That's a big deal. Considering how long these wars have dragged on, and it quickly becomes clear tat most of today's military joined - VOLUNTEERED - after the wars had started. They had not joined a peacetime Army where combat experience was the rarity and not the norm (and in no way does that belittle or diminish our comrades who stood watch on the wall and had no combat).
You and all of the rest knew the risks, and yet... you did not shirk it.
You could have chosen any path. Many of which are no less honorable.
Hero is also in the perception of the grateful, not the honored. When they look and say, "Wow, I never could have done that," or more likely, "Thank goodness for you so I didn't HAVE to do that!"

The praise is what it is, whatever the origin. It may seem to us oversaid, but that's because we are the small focus of a grateful people who often know no other way to express it than to say, "thank you" or to buy a meal.

It could be far worse. They could not acknowledge it at all.

Response by CPL Jay Freeman made May 12 at 2015 1:58 PM

2015-05-12T13:58:09-04:00

Everyone has there own difinition of heroes I was in the army as a scout for 6 years and in the civilian world I became a volunteer firefight and emt I think anyone who has the courage / stupidity to run towards something that everyone ells is running from is a hero. Do I think everyone who has signed up for the military is? No I do not they have less dangerous jobs then getting shot at day by day. I don't want to put anyone M.O.S down but the infintre and combat M.O.S are heroes everyday they get up in a combat zone and regardless the loss of the day before they go back out and do it again so if you have a truly dangerous job and can face doing it day and day aging then you are. Quote from John Wayne Courage is being scared and saddling up anyway

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 12 at 2015 2:12 PM

2015-05-12T14:12:40-04:00

Heroes to me are those who have served and come home to a country that spits on them, and otherwise marginalizes their service. Heroes are those who while serving in combat lay down their lives for their brothers and sisters that they may make it home. Heroes are the people who step up and do a job that the vast majority (99%) will not do for whatever reason.

These people are my heroes.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 12 at 2015 2:15 PM

2015-05-12T14:15:06-04:00

SFC Joseph James, you've received many excellent answers, so I won't add further. However, I've always liked this from Richard Winters, WWII hero of the 101st Airborne Division, depicted in "Band of Brothers" by Damian Lewis. Winters quoted a passage from a letter he received from Sergeant Mike Ranney, "I cherish the memories of a question my grandson asked me the other day when he said, 'Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?' Grandpa said 'No...but I served in a company of heroes'." (U.S. Army photo)

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 2:16 PM

2015-05-12T14:16:17-04:00

Those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 12 at 2015 2:16 PM

2015-05-12T14:16:19-04:00

A hero is an embodiment of the ideal. Both the good and the bad. He or she is what we strive to be.

Heroes AREN'T perfect. Heroes are flawed. Heroes stumble. They face adversity. Anyone who isn't challenged whether it be physically, mentally, morally, or ethically will never really be a hero. They may be great, but not heroes.

They overcome. They defeat.

Go back to literary heroes, and you will see how flawed they are. Whether it is pride, anger, or any of the other classic sins. Go back to our historical heroes, like our Medal of Honor Recipients and you will see they were challenged at every turn.

If you were to ask Meyers, Carpenter, Giunta, or Carter if they are heroes, they would likely be uncomfortable with the question.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made May 12 at 2015 2:31 PM

2015-05-12T14:31:38-04:00

I watched a series called Hero's by Andy Stanley and I think his definition is a good one - a hero is someone with clarity, and the irresistible urge to act. I would add that a hero will do the right thing at the right time and hopefully, in the right way.

Response by PO1 Andrew White made May 12 at 2015 2:41 PM

2015-05-12T14:41:21-04:00

My definition of a hero is anyone who selflessly sacrifices themselves, whether it be their time, sweat, blood...life, for the good of others.

By that definition, we/us (servicemen and woman) being called a "hero" fits...but most of us certainly don't like being called that (least of all myself) as most of us simply do what we do because we volunteered and it's our job. Or we're here doing something we really enjoy...and get paid for it!

I would view my wife as a hero way before me, for putting up with what we have to go do, raising good kids and also because in her own profession as an Emerg Rm RN she has certainly helped more people than I think I ever have or will.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 2:56 PM

2015-05-12T14:56:13-04:00

I am with you on this one. I don't like when someone calls me a hero. I am just a guy that did what I think all Americans should do, serve their country. Chris Kyle is a hero, Marcus Luttrell is a hero. I do not feel I am in the same category as those guys.

Response by LTC Mo Vanderslice made May 12 at 2015 2:58 PM

2015-05-12T14:58:04-04:00

It's one who does what is necessary despite the ramifications, in war or in peace...like when my 1SG told off the Bn CDR's wife when she tried interfering in TT VII range operations during a family day on my range. It made the Bn CDR an enemy, but it set the right tone that we were a tank company and not a collection of door mats.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 3:06 PM

2015-05-12T15:06:00-04:00

A hero is someone who does things that others want to emulate.

My little girl calls her daddy her hero. I can't think of anything I would rather aspire to, than to have her look up to me and want to be just like her hero.
I hope I never let her down.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 3:08 PM

2015-05-12T15:08:43-04:00

I've never considered myself to be a hero.

To me, that has been reserved for the wounded, impaired, and most of all others who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 3:17 PM

2015-05-12T15:17:59-04:00

I feel uncomfortable being called one by my civilian family and friends. I've been to too many Hero Ceremonies, so when I hear that word that's what comes to mind. Those that lost their lives are the heroes, in my opinion.

Response by SFC Scott Carroll made May 12 at 2015 3:23 PM

2015-05-12T15:23:07-04:00

Making a choice to do what 90% of the country won't. I guess the definition of a hero is defined by the one calling someone a hero. To a lot of us it was doing our job or fighting for the ones on our left and right and they were doing the same thing so why would that make one a hero. But to someone who couldn't understand that concept might view what we have done as heroic. I don't know, just my thoughts. And I hate it also.

Response by SPC Ryan Rabeau made May 12 at 2015 3:28 PM

2015-05-12T15:28:22-04:00

We all sign the dotted line saying we will die to protect the millions of people in the great country of the USA. That is a selfless act and that is the definition of a hero. A hero will protect those they do not know because it is the right thing to do.

Response by PFC Steve Davis made May 12 at 2015 3:26 PM

2015-05-12T15:26:50-04:00

A hero gives from his heart without asking. A hero gives unconditional for the love of his family and country.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 3:32 PM

2015-05-12T15:32:57-04:00

A hero to me are the 58,000+ on the Wall, the Korean warriors that held the Chosin Reservoir even while it was being overrun, all of the Nurses and Medics that saved so many lives in our wars, all of the WWII women that went into factories to make bolts, nuts, riveters who assembled air planes, tanks, trucks. A hero to me are the many, many more people who will enlist in a military unit, knowing they probably will be involved in a war. A hero to me is someone who, from somewhere in their heart, jumps on that grenade, attacks an enemy knowing they will be killed. A helicopter pilot going in to a hot LZ knowing he's an open target, but does it anyway. There are so many heros that don't call themselves heros because they didn't stop to think, should I, they just did it.
Another group of heros to me are the Mother or Father that takes care of things at home while the other is deployed. That takes much patients, responsibility, and leadership to to do that.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 3:34 PM

2015-05-12T15:34:07-04:00

Another name for a Hoagie? :)

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 3:35 PM

2015-05-12T15:35:39-04:00

I think it would be determined by the person calling you "hero." My father was my hero. He was a Korean War vet. He served honorably but just did his job. To me he was Superman, Batman, Aquaman, and Hulk all rolled into one.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 3:35 PM

2015-05-12T15:35:31-04:00

Someone that makes a difference/ positive influence in the lives of others, even if they don't realize it.

Response by SSG John Erny made May 12 at 2015 4:00 PM

2015-05-12T16:00:48-04:00

Go to any national cemetery an look across the field of head stones; young lives taken and dreams of their youth forever lost. Their loss is our loss; the loss of what they might have been or done for the greater good of our country, the next Einstein, Hawking, Saulk. They are Hero's, with only you to be their voice.

Response by Cpl Justin Sowell made May 12 at 2015 4:06 PM

2015-05-12T16:06:14-04:00

The word Hero is used and abused like a cheap prostitute. I think a hero is someone who puts their life in danger to save someone else's life even if it is a complete stranger. I don't by any means think that putting on the uniform makes you a hero.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 4:11 PM

2015-05-12T16:11:18-04:00

I would say a hero voluntarily puts themselves in personal danger in order to protect others, even when they don't have to do so.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 12 at 2015 4:21 PM

2015-05-12T16:21:20-04:00

I would call all my soldiers 'hero'...as I consider your question, I would not stop calling them 'hero'.

They would often ask me why I called them hero, and I would tell them "You volunteered to serve in the military, right? You do know what that means?"

Anyone willing to go into harms way to defend OUR Nation, they are a hero to me.

I would say, if you want to see a hero...find a good mirror, and there you go. Thank you Hero. SFC Joseph James

Response by SGT Anthony Bussing made May 12 at 2015 4:21 PM

2015-05-12T16:21:41-04:00

hero

Response by SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS made May 12 at 2015 4:35 PM

2015-05-12T16:35:34-04:00

SFC Joseph James, I think a hero is a person that is able to have the courage to do something or sacrifice more than the one calling them a hero. Here is my reasoning. Superman is super strong on the earth but average strength on krypton.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 4:58 PM

2015-05-12T16:58:28-04:00

“A hero is defined by performing missions with honor & courage.”

Response by SSgt Gregory Juedes made May 12 at 2015 6:51 PM

2015-05-12T18:51:15-04:00

Hero can be that you volunteered. They didn't.

Response by SSgt Gregory Juedes made May 12 at 2015 6:52 PM

2015-05-12T18:52:53-04:00

That you volunteer is a hero, they didn't.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made May 12 at 2015 6:53 PM

2015-05-12T18:53:10-04:00

My personal definition of a hero, is someone who does what needs to be done, when it has to be done, despite pressures against action. This is countered by my definition of evil which is when someone fails to take action they know they should have, for whatever the reason or justification.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 12 at 2015 6:54 PM

2015-05-12T18:54:39-04:00

Hero is someone willing to sarifice for other.

Just like how i would say to a vets, you're a hero cause you're willing to put your life so other can live freely.

Response by SPC Chelsea Fernandez made May 12 at 2015 8:42 PM

2015-05-12T20:42:50-04:00

What is a hero? A hero is a person that goes above and beyond the call of duty. They put others needs above their own. They don't ask for anything in return. Heroes are your everyday police officers, teachers, doctors, etc.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 9:00 PM

2015-05-12T21:00:42-04:00

I don't think it has anything to do with the medals you have earned our what not in the civilians eyes. The reason I say that most people don't have a clue what the medals we wear me. Not saying your medals and awards don't matter, I think as far as that goes that is more so for the military word to tell that story where you been and what you have went thru in your career. I think civilians think military are heroes because not everyone can do what we do in the military community! The deployments, the long hours at crazy hours from family, the training. In there eyes we protect there right to do and come as they please. Everyone can't join the military, so they look at it as we protect their freedoms, there families, there right of freedom of speech. Do I think I'm a hero no, why because I'm doing my job. But for that person who doesn't have a clue what we do and the only source they may have is what they see on the news, or Google in there eyes we are all heros, I won't tell them no I'm not! If that is there way of saying thank you well it's a good day. Think about the Vietnam era thousands died and when they returned home they were spited on and called baby killers. We have come a long way with what civilans understand the military to be!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 9:19 PM

2015-05-12T21:19:20-04:00

Hero is the most over used word used today. I think it’s to overcompensate for how we treated Vietnam vets. Not everyone wearing a uniform is a hero. Just serving and performing your job does not make one a hero. I believe a hero is someone that goes above and beyond to save others.

Those that serve perform a noble job and deserve some measure of respect for it, but not the label hero.

Response by CPL Jay Freeman made May 12 at 2015 10:02 PM

2015-05-12T22:02:19-04:00

So earlier I put out a grand scheme of what a big hero is or is not. On a smaller scale but still big to a person and his/her family is talking to someone who has a big choice to make like let's say we all know this one having a friend who is suicidal and he /she wants someone to talk to or let's even go drastic they have a gun to there head and you talk them out of it this makes you a hero to that person and there family. We can even go smaller then that someone is broke down on the road freeway what have you you take the time out of your already busy day to change there flat and get them on there way. The reward you get is someone thinks you are some kind of cool but you feel great for helping them out. Point is not all hero's have to run head long into death flying bullets and fire to be a hero.

Response by CPL Jay Freeman made May 12 at 2015 10:33 PM

2015-05-12T22:33:48-04:00

I am still trying to figure rally point out so if someone is willing to put a question out there and tag everything they can or keep it to the simple. But this is what I want to know who is your hero or heroes why and when. Please tag me to it so I can read and respond thank you

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 12 at 2015 11:00 PM

2015-05-12T23:00:29-04:00

My wife SFC Joseph James

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 11:33 PM

2015-05-12T23:33:54-04:00

Dakota Meyer, William Swenson, William Carpenter, and Leroy Petry are my standards who deserve the hero label. Even though, these guys would probably say they were just "looking out" for their guys they did what most would not be able to do. I met Leroy Petry in Afghanistan and he was the most down to earth guy who didn't want anyone to know he was a Medal of Honor recipient. Well done, heroes, well done.

Response by SGT Felicia King made May 13 at 2015 12:23 AM

2015-05-13T00:23:50-04:00

I don't like the term hero and I think it gets loosely labeled on a bunch of people. Just because someone serves in the military or works as a police officer, fireman, paramedic or doctor or nurse does not qualify them as a hero. Yet often people in these professions as well as others in service to others, like teaching, get labeled a hero. It just labels someone that thinks more of other people than themselves and acts selflessly. They are also often humble and modest, never seeking attention for themselves. Many have died for others, or just greatly sacrificed for others while not thinking of themselves. Even pilots have been referred as Heroes, like Capt Sullenberger, the pilot that landed in the Hidson river.

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made May 13 at 2015 12:41 AM

2015-05-13T00:41:18-04:00

I think Dick Winters put it best: "Was I a hero? No. But I served with a bunch of them."

Response by SGT Anthony Rossi made May 13 at 2015 1:48 AM

2015-05-13T01:48:21-04:00

I completely agree with you SFC. However, a real hero doesn't think he's a hero! Lol, I like what one soldier said, "it's not hard to act like a Hero when your surrounded by them!"
My definition: Someone who sacrifices himself for others without regard for their personal harm or benefit!

Response by SGT Robert Hawks made May 13 at 2015 1:53 AM

2015-05-13T01:53:22-04:00

A Hero is a person who is willing to sacrifice everything up to and including his/her life for others. Theses people that are willing to do this are everywhere around us from your neighbor to a stranger walking down the street anybody can be a hero when thrown into the right are wrong situation.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 6:44 AM

2015-05-13T06:44:50-04:00

A Hero is someone who shows up for someone else when their need is desperate.

It doesn't matter if it's a troop with bullet holes through their leg in a firefight, someone dangling from a precipice in danger of falling, or a child who is afraid of the dark; whoever comes to their aid is a Hero to them because they're the one that showed up.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 8:39 AM

2015-05-13T08:39:12-04:00

My definition is rather morbid. I hear the word "hero" a lot. One guy I've known since elementary school told me his 10 year old daughter saw a pic of me in my ASUs on FB. She asked him who it was. He told her, "that's my hero." I felt honored to be considered such. However, I don't see myself as one. What do I think a hero is? There are some who do not get the privilege to live or survive. There are those who give their life to save others. They are raised up and carried home, then laid to down once they are home. Heroes don't get to live on this earth, except in the memories of the ones that survived.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 8:41 AM

2015-05-13T08:41:30-04:00

A hero is a victim of circumstance. In that moment, he longs to be an honest coward.

You'll see him when things are at their worst. When things are at their worst, he'll tell you everything will be ok. When things are ok, he'll be gone.

Response by Sgt Abdullahi Mohamud made May 13 at 2015 12:20 PM

2015-05-13T12:20:40-04:00

In description, to qualify a “Hero” an individual must do an extraordinary act. An individual must always stand for Justice, Equality and Rule of Law at all cost in private and public instances; specially when opposing the opinion of the majority; even when it threatens his/her personal interest and life. A Hero is an individual that defends rights of the weak, the poor, the oppressed, the underprivileged, the outcast, the minority. A Hero never advertises his his/her good deeds; a Hero does not seek human recognition nor expects a something in return.
Good example is the Biblical story of Prophet Moses. After flight from Egypt, in a status of being homeless, wanted and poor in a foreign land, Prophet Moses aided a village people by moving a huge rock in order the village people to have more access to the water of a lake. Prophet Moses even refused for payment after the men of the village offered him a payment in return. Again, Prophet Moses helped two girls who always were denied and had to wait until the entire sheepherders (Men) of the village and their herds consumed their desired water from the lake. These girls were simply denied an equal treatment because they were women, a survival of the fittest. In spite of the normality of the culture, Prophet Moses aided them without anything in return. Such acts qualify Prophet Moses as a “Hero” an individual performing extraordinary acts.
Nowadays, people do not even do normal good deeds; such acts are becoming extraordinary acts. For example, at the present of an elder, a woman, a child or a disabled person, it requires an act of kindness; which in today’s society has become an abnormal behavior. As a result, civil service, military duty and humanitarian causes have become something to ridicule instead of every individual’s lifetime or professional career history.
In the eyes of those of us who recognize the significance of good deeds and despise being an average tend to categorize a “Hero” to an individual who is doing ordinary achievements of the old times as extraordinary acts in today’s society. When someone classifies a person’s action as “Hero”, that someone is plainly signaling that they appreciate such act by voicing their gratitude.
In summary, I may symphonize with you and appreciate your view; however, we are living in an age where protagonists are glorified for mimicking someone else’s life. In contrast, as a normal behavior, We the very few live by words like honor, duty, integrity, justice, loyalty, and commitment while expecting nothing in return. In distinction, because we strongly recognize that it is an obligation of every citizen and not a preference.
Semper Fidelis
My Brothers and Sister in Arms

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 12:39 PM

2015-05-13T12:39:55-04:00

I think a hero is someone who would risk everything, not just for people they actually care about, for a complete stranger as well. The risk may be financial, physical, any other -als that I can't think of. I think a lot of folks naturally think of the military because we are put in situations where we have the opportunity to put everything on the line more often than most people. The same goes for police, fire, and ems personnel.

In reality, I think the world is full of heroes, just that we don't necessarily hear about their acts of heroism. People who can barely make ends meat, yet still find it in their hearts to buy breakfast for a homeless person, or go out of their way to buy clothes and other essentials for a family who's lost everything in a fire. A lot of emphasis has been put on trying to identify these "everyday" heroes lately, but I think in reality most don't want the attention, because that's not why they did whatever it was they did.

Response by SPC Richard Owens made May 13 at 2015 1:07 PM

2015-05-13T13:07:21-04:00

To me in war, a hero is the one who gave there life for their brothers and sisters they served with. We all gave some, but the hero gave all.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 3:35 PM

2015-05-13T15:35:48-04:00

That’s what makes you a hero. Going above and beyond the rest of the population without asking anything in return. The whole time I was in Afghanistan I was thinking about the images you see of wounded warriors with prostatic legs or in a wheel chair and I thought of the t-shirt I would get screen printed saying “I went to Afghanistan and all I got was a new set of legs”. That not meant to be funny or demean anyone just the fact that we know when we join that we will probably see war, I personally have seen some jacked up stuff in training alone. I’ve seen people I didn’t think we’re going to make it home. Yes we all do it for our country, children, etc. but ultimately we do it because we can. I don’t think I’m a hero but I giggle a little when my kids think I’m awesome, or I hear one of them say “My mom can kick your dad’s butt” and when I’ve knocked “I can’t" out of their vocabulary. I think that’s what a hero is, we don’t say I can’t we just ask when and where and we show up for the fight.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 4:33 PM

2015-05-13T16:33:04-04:00

A hero is a role-model who greatly impacts a person or people, and inspires them to act in a similar action. Heroes are often the best of us all, unfortunately they also get put through some of the worst situations. A match doesn't shine in day light, but will light up a dark room, a hero is that match.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made May 13 at 2015 8:48 PM

2015-05-13T20:48:12-04:00

Any man that is a real father to his kids.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 9:53 AM

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I've seen this discussion a couple different times....so here is a totally different answer for a new thread.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 14 at 2015 11:08 AM

2015-05-14T11:08:07-04:00

Heroes possess and demonstrate courage at least for the time they are being heroic. Courage occurs in all walks of life and has occurred in all epochs since people began communicating on cave walls and animal skins.
Heroes are not glory seekers and they are not foolhardy. Heroes rise up when needed, do what is required and recover afterwards frequently avoiding the limelight.
Being courageous requires overcoming a level of fear and overtly or tacitly accepting risk on the behalf of others. Heroes are all around us - in addition to those who protect and defend us in the police, fire departments, military members, security services, medical and trauma personnel, teachers, children in the schoolyard and neighborhoods standing up to bullies, drugs, gangs; people who donate kidneys and other tissue which can be used to save somebody else's life.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 2:02 PM

2015-05-14T14:02:25-04:00

I think this has actually been the most difficult question I have seen on RP to answer... I had to think about qualities a person who should be a hero ought to have... I have to say part of this is to be able to have meaningful impact on the lives of others for a positive outcome. To have that moment when no one else is able or willing to act, there is that one person to stand up... It is a moment of significance when a hero is found... Hell, General Grant was not a successful outside of the military, there was even doubt to even give him command, but he eventually be came the Commander of the Union Army, held a rank no one since George Washington held... that is a hero... to over come great odds, to stand up and do a job no one is willing to do. Just a bit of a caveat... I also think a hero is a person willing to clean a toilet... my goodness there are some pigs out there...

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made May 14 at 2015 2:42 PM

2015-05-14T14:42:22-04:00

I have read many of the posts here about this subject. I agree with many shake my head at some and raise an eye brow at a few. But none are wrong I suppose because how can someone be wrong for what they feel or believe. It just shows there are many ideas of a Hero. My hero and Idol never served but his beliefs and moralities motivated me. One of my best friends is in my mind a Hero he saved four lives while taking fire from insurgents when he pulled them from a burning vehicle. And was then repaid by being shorted the award he was due. Or is the Hero the person that is stoic their whole lives. Or the person who has lost it all and lives on the street. Or is it the person that dies alone doing a job or of old age and no one seems to care. Is it the MH winner or the ARCOM earner? Is it all of them or none of them. The choice is ours alone I see all who have served as Vets not all are Hero's I am no Hero and I have been told I was the person who said it meant it. But they did not live the terror I and many others have but I thank them for it anyway.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2015 12:29 AM

2015-05-19T00:29:01-04:00

That is actually a great question. I have deployed three times. Got a TBI, did my thing in Iraq, however I am NOT a hero. I lost friends there, and honestly they simply died doing the same thing that we did everyday and I am not sure that I would call them hero's. They simply were STOLEN from us.
Hero's would be someone that did something that was above and beyond, i.e. someone that actually "took that bullet for someone else", someone that jumped on that grenade for someone else. Let me get less graphic, someone that was simply there for you in your time of need. A hero is someone that kept your head above water when you didn't think you had it in you.
My TRUE Hero's...my PERSONAL HERO's those who did something that they really did not want to do (for the most part) and never got thanks for it. Vietnam Vets. Those are MY hero's.
So, hero's are something that come in different shapes and sizes. Different reasons, different needs for them. Not all of them are those ones that we hear about, some just got us through a rough deployment. Some just get us through everyday life and some actually did something that the majority of us either never did and paid the ultimate price or pay an ongoing ultimate price (severe injury from protecting those they were with for example)
That would be my definition from the hip.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made May 24 at 2015 10:58 PM

2015-05-24T22:58:35-04:00

Is a type of sandwich that consists of a long roll of Italian or French bread, split widthwise either into two pieces or opened in a "V" on one side, and filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, vegetables, seasonings, and sauces. OR it is CPL Tibor Rubin, a Hungarian Jew who survived Mauthenhausen Concentration Camp in Austria, came to America as a refugee (spoke no English), was captured by the Chinese in Korea and is credited in saving 40 American POWS. http://www.history.army.mil/html/moh/koreanwar.html#RUBIN

NAZI Concentration Camp to Commie POW Camp after coming to America -- and saving 40 American men.

Medal of Honor Recipients - Korean War

Medal of Honor Recipients: Korean War

Response by LTC Damon LaCour made Jun 6 at 2015 10:30 AM

2015-06-06T10:30:50-04:00

I believe all that served are heroes, volunteer or "voluntold".

Response by Sgt Joshua Ray made Aug 24 at 2015 11:34 PM

2015-08-24T23:34:23-04:00

Simply a title given to you by people that appreciate you beyond anything they can show.

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Aug 28 at 2015 8:26 AM

2015-08-28T08:26:54-04:00

someone who put his or her life on the line for someone you do not know.

Response by LTC Mo Vanderslice made Aug 28 at 2015 11:10 PM

2015-08-28T23:10:59-04:00

Doing your job in the military and do it well and without supervision, being ready to give it your all when the situation calls for it, and giving your troops and junior leaders all of the credit when the mission goes well...most military personnel are heroes in one degree or another, but thankfully only a few of us at a time have to face the situations that require us to be the kind of Soldier, Sailor, Marine, or Airman that makes our forefathers proud of our generation - my thanks to SPC Skarlatos and Airman Stone for carrying on the traditions of our service!

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Aug 28 at 2015 11:28 PM

2015-08-28T23:28:50-04:00

A hero laughs at death in the face and never looks back.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2015 8:03 AM

2015-09-06T08:03:31-04:00

SFC Joseph James, I think a hero is in the eye of the beholder. My brother, five years my senior, is fighting lung cancer. He is staying positive and keeping his head up, even though he is very sick. To me, that's heroic. On the other side of that coin, I was visiting him in the hospital and, to everyone that walked in, he introduced me as "Active Duty SSG Kevin J Parker, United States Army." I was a little embarrassed, but he refused to stop. His nurses walked in and, after his introduction, he said, "That's a man sitting there. Anyone who will get blown up by an IED and shot at by an RPG and not be scared is a MAN." Now, in my head I'm thinking how I'm one of hundreds who fit that criteria, but, to my big brother, I'm his hero. He also becomes emotional when he meets other servicemen and - women. We are all his heroes.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 21 at 2015 11:58 AM

2015-10-21T11:58:58-04:00

I think a hero can come in many shapes or forms. Sometimes, you know them when you see them and sometimes you are clueless to the efforts and sacrifice that were made. But the hero knows. My husband is my hero. Him and his group of Marines that cleared the way for all of us that came following and lived in the areas they secured. He was my angel without me knowing.

Response by SPC Luis Mendez made Oct 26 at 2015 12:43 PM

2015-10-26T12:43:17-04:00

IMHO, someone who risk his/her life and well being to try to save another. Whether he/she is successful in the attempt or not, whether he/she survives or is unharmed or not. Whether he/she does it as part of his/her job or not. Whether they're Compensated or Not. To me the mere Fact that someone tries to save someone else from danger or harm is sufficient to be a hero in my book. Therefore Doctors, Nurses, Policemen, Firemen, EMT's, among others, are heroes to me.

Response by MSgt Glenn (Eddie) Barker made Sep 20 at 2018 6:39 PM

2018-09-20T18:39:49-04:00

There are many kinds of Heroes, the ones I respect most are shaking scared, a wet spot on their pants as they continue forward to the fight.

Response by Cpl Douglas Loven made Sep 29 at 2018 6:18 AM

2018-09-29T06:18:06-04:00

Those that sacrifice so that others may benefit. From the father or mother that works 7 days a week to feed his kids. The person that stands up in a hail of bullets to shield children from harm.

Response by MGySgt Jerry Suarez made Oct 3 at 2018 11:26 PM

2018-10-03T23:26:45-04:00

I say a hero is someone who is looked up to...someone who is always in everyone's discussion because somehow someway they made an impact on people's lives with what they did, what they may have said or how they carried themselves. A hero doesnt even know they are considered to be one because its others who look at them that way. 100% of the time someone that is called or considered a hero will tell you they dont think they are they were just doing what they felt was right.