May 25, 2009
Honor to a veteran who rescued a woman in danger
Jeannie St. John Taylor,
Oregon Author, Culture Proof Kids
I want to use Memorial Day to honor my nephew a member of the US Air Force and a local hero for saving another person’s life. Watch his amazing story on the video below and read the further story about his plans to run for Congress.
Adam is running against a first-term Democrat in the traditionally-Republican Eleventh Congressional District of Illinois. and you’ll be seeing a lot of him on the news now that he’s home from military duty in Iraq.
The video talks about his heroism one night while walking and he heard a woman scream. Glancing up he saw a young woman with her throat slit running toward him, her eyes fastened on him, begging for help. The woman’s assailant followed close behind, knife in hand, drug-crazed expression on his face. Adam recalls thinking, “This is gonna hurt” before wrestling the attacker to the ground and restraining him for several long minutes until the police arrived.
That single act earned Adam the Southeastern Wisconsin Red Cross title of Hero of the Year, but it’s not the first brave act I remember from Adam. In junior high school, Adam took a firm stance against abortion when he applied to be the Student Representative for Scholastic Magazine’s board even though he knew that to be an unpopular stance that would likely hurt his chances. To his surprise, he defeated more than 100,000 other kids and won the position.
At twenty-one he became the then-youngest elected McLean county board member. He’s an Air Force Special Operations Pilot and served with bravery and honor in a war zone. He is a committed Christian, and to me a spiritual brother. My brother could use your prayers in the upcoming months as he takes upon the biggest challenge of his life. Read more about him on his website and tell him Aunt Jeannie introduced you to him.
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May 25, 2009
We are always surprised that one will risk his life to save another. We need to remember that our military is always willing to go the extra mile. Adam did what he knew needed to be done because that is who he is to the inner core. Decisions like his are a reflex not a decision made at that time. Thanks Adam for growing into an every day hero.
May 25, 2009
I do see that he received the “Hero of the year” however in researching his story, I saw that he also received the “Airman’s medal.” This should be the award you mention…as its the highest award the Air Force offers for non-combat heroism, above even the bronze star.
May 25, 2009
Adam, thank you for defending our country both here and abroad. It is evident that your interest in serving our country and our people is not a job to you, it is a way of life.
May 25, 2009
James, you might be interested to know that Adam’s uncle, my husband Ray, earned not only two Purple Hearts, but the Bronze Star in Vietnam. Thank you for recognizing the value in the service of both these men. I didn’t mention Adam’s medal because he gets uncomfortable when relatives brag too much on him.
May God’s blessing continue to rest on this young man. thanks to him and all the other “heros” who serve our country in one way or another.