Who Is Your Hero?

Do you have a personal hero? Tell us about them. It doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Your Everyday Hero: John R.

This young man faced tragedy, overcame it and became a helper of others. His religious values, athletic abilities, and drive gives renewed hope to the returning disabled veterans from the war on terror.

He scored highly in the 1983 Illinois State high school track meet; was a two-time All-American at the University of Arkansas; and won many medals on the All Army Track and Field Team. While in the World Class Athletes Program, he served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Though his left leg was amputated after a track accident in May of 1994, his spirit to excel and overcome adversity remained strong. Employed by the Department of Defense in the W C A Program, he continued rehabilitation by swimming. His Olympian goal was satisfied by membership on the 1996 U. S. Paralympics swim team and an American paralympics long jump record in Sydney, Australia. Now associate director of the U. S. Olympics Paralympics Academy, he provides clinics for recent veteran amputees. His presence and presentation instilled courage in an older amputee to give hope to others.

Story was submitted anonymously