Who Is Your Hero?

By Robert Bauer

Washinton DC-2022-Let me ask you a question; Who is your hero? What do you think of when you hear the term hero? We as a society usually think of someone in uniform like those in our military, a veteran, law enforcement officer, or firefighter. However, I think you would agree that things have changed over the past two years. As a nation, we are in turmoil. Our economy is struggling, our political landscape is upside down, our social structure is a mess, and we are still struggling with the effects of a deadly virus. So much is going on, and many people have stepped up to the plate to make a difference.

However, in the last two years (2020-2022), we have witnessed the everyday joe doing extraordinary things that go above and beyond the norm. We have always been a nation of resilience, thinking of the many forest fires and storms and our fateful 9/11 that impacted our nation. During these trying times, we have permanently bonded as a nation no matter what has happened.

During the Pandemic, we witnessed countless medical professionals face the dangers of Covid 19. At the same time, they cared for millions of sick patients, and it should be noted that many of these professionals never had the vaccine. They were putting their lives on the line daily. ?In addition to the medical professionals, everyday joes were doing the unexpected by cooking meals for those working, making masks, and much more.

I remember our organization lobbied for PPE for Law Enforcement agencies as they continued to do their work unprotected from the virus. We advocated for many of these officers who faced an enemy they were not trained or prepared to deal with.

But as we have seen over the years, life goes on, and our heroes, regardless of who they are, where they work, or what they wear, continue to be unselfish and reach out to others in their communities.

Every year from July 1 through October 8, our organization, WarriorsHeartUSA.org , sponsors a One Hundred Days of Prayer campaign. In the past, we have had the Adopt a Cop campaign, an Adopt a Vet Campaign, and a Pray for the Blue campaign, but as we were planning for 2022, we decided to focus on our communities and the silent heroes, you know, the ones you know about. We recognize that a lot has impacted our lives in the past two years; so many lives have changed, and we decided we need to pray for the healing of the soul of our nation which is our communities; our neighbors. We must remember those who have done so much for us in our communities. Let us embrace those that have impacted us the most.

During the pandemic, I did not venture out much, but when I did you would find me at the local Safeway store. Regardless of the deadly virus threat, you would see the faithful employees stocking shelves, cutting meat, and checking you out at the register. They always had a cheerful disposition and bright eyes (I am sure there was a smile under those masks). Now I know that someone had to deliver those products to put on the shelf and that credit goes to the many truck drivers that would drive across the country to deliver products to stock on the shelves of the stores.

I live in the Washington DC metro area; the Fire Rescue, Paramedics, and EMTs are always busy. However, during the Pandemic, their job was more tasking. Such was the case of the many medical professionals who worked countless hours in the critical care units of the hospitals while not being vaccinated. Despite the challenges they faced, for them, life went on, as did the overwhelming cases of death.

I think of the many School Teachers who had to learn how to keep students’ attention while teaching online and then bravely returning to the classroom with the students even during the threat of the virus. My daughter happens to be an Elementary School Teacher, and I am incredibly proud of her and her colleagues.

Now I have my list of whom I consider my heroes in the National Capital Region; the US Capitol Police, The DC Metropolitan Police, The US Park Police, Arlington County, and the Fairfax County Police, and the countless Teachers, and the area churches that fed the masses, and the people that reached out to the Afghan Refugees. There is a young lady in my neighborhood that cuts the grass for some elderly people for free. Then there is this young girl in a Fairfax County High School that has established an outreach program for young refugee girls and there is the little old lady that took her extra material lying around and made masks for everyone she knew and then some. That is just a brief list of those I know in my area. Let me ask you, who is on your list of heroes?

July 1st through October 8 of the year 2022 I want to encourage you to remember your heroes in your prayers. Think about our campaign to Adopt a Hero over the next One Hundred Days. It does not take anything to say a prayer for their protection, wisdom, and blessings. Then tell them they are adopted for prayers, and they will appreciate it. ?During the 100 days, we will mark Day 50-August 20th as RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY; mark your calendars (more to follow)

I want to encourage you to participate with us this year during our 100-Day Campaign of Prayer for Our Heroes, July 1- October 8. Adopt A Hero, write their name down on a card and place it where you can see it daily. Then say a prayer for them and their families. This is a time to join in a common calling to remember those that have put others above themselves.

Who is your hero?

About the author:?Robert Bauer is the Founder of WarriorsHeartUSA.org, Power2Change Academy, a retired law enforcement officer, former US Army Infantry Platoon Sgt, College Professor, and Certified Member of the John Maxwell Leadership Team as a Speaker, Coach, and Trainer.?He is an author, writer, and advocate for Veterans, 1st Responders, and their families who are trauma survivors navigating through the traumatic minefields of life leading to a fulfilling life.