Unsung Hero

A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others.  ~Author Unknown

While many in our culture call our athletes, actors and singers heroes, there are real heroes making a difference in the lives of the next generation of leaders.  One such hero is a teacher who lovingly labors in the Oakland school system.  Her name is Ms. Dixon.  Although she stands at about 5’5” inches tall, she is a giant in the lives of many of her  students.  She is energetic, soulful and speaks with confidence and authority.

Recently, before speaking to a group of her students, I told her she was my hero.  (This caught her off guard, probably because many teachers are not treated or thought of as heroes.)  She possesses a commitment to her students that drives her to help each and every one of them realize their potential.

Hundreds of students have come through her classroom and many have gone on to higher education.  Sure, there are those who have not taken advantage of her instruction and her compassion and have gotten lost in life.  However, this does not deter her or quench her spirit!

She continues to lead and positively impact the lives of her students.  She shows them that there is hope for a better life if you are disciplined and determined.

This year she received one of the greatest gifts a teacher can receive; one of her students is now attending a prestigious California university.  Some might say that is no big deal, but if you knew the hurdles and barriers that the students have to overcome, you would realize that it is a big deal and a significant accomplishment.  This is especially true since the person is a young inner city male who is now taking advantage of what this great country has to offer, an education.

I want to acknowledge Ms. Dixon’s commitment to service as a teacher, mentor and leader in her school and in the community.  She is an inspiration to me and to many others that have come to know and respect all that she does for our young people.

She is an Unsung Hero!

“No Thought, Just Action”

"It is courage, courage, courage, that raises the blood of life to crimson splendor. Live bravely and present a brave front to adversity." Horace

As he stood with his back to President Obama, Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta faced away with the cameras in his face and his wife in attendance to accept the Medal of Honor from his Commander in Chief.  Giunta is the first living service member to serve in Iraq or Afghanistan to be given the nation's highest honor.

As I looked at his face he did not have a big smile as I would have expected, but a stoic one.  Even after the President placed the medal around his neck, his expression did not change.  Why?  In an interview on 60 Minutes, he was asked about his feelings on receiving the award?  He simply said that he did not do anything his fellow soldiers would not have done.  He did what he was trained to do, “No thought, just action.”

What did he do?  The paratrooper and rifle team leader saved at least two comrades during combat on Oct. 25, 2007, in the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan.  An insurgent ambush separated his team and he went into the open to pull one comrade to safety and then fought to free a dying friend who was being dragged away by Taliban fighters.

In another interview, he talked about not being an extraordinary soldier, but mediocre, and that there are a lot of soldiers fighting and engaged in the protection of the country that are better than he was, and who are more deserving of the award.”  That is exactly why he is deserving of the award!  True heroes don’t seek acclaim and recognition, they act.  It’s who they are, compassionate and self-sacrificing.

When he carried his friend’s body out of enemy territory he did not do so thinking that he would receive an award, “No Thought, Just Action.”

There is an important lesson to learn here.  Serving others is never about us, but about those we serve.  When faced with an opportunity to help someone else, take no thought, just act!